After nearly 20 years as a trial court judge with recognized expertise in bankruptcy, commercial, and family law, Sandy became a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, a Member of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) Panel of Mediators, and the AAA Panel of Arbitrators. She also serves as a Special Magistrate and Expert Witness.
Before her appointment to the trial court bench, Sandy practiced commercial litigation and bankruptcy law, including breach of contract matters, partnership dissolutions, shareholder disputes, and joint ventures. This also included work regarding stock options, valuations of closely held businesses, fraudulent transfer of assets or hidden income, disputes over commercial property ownership, and business restructuring.
Sandy is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. While on the Bench, she served in several divisions including the Family, Juvenile, and Complex Litigation Division. She also served as the Administrative Judge of the Family Court.
Karlan also is a published author in the areas of bankruptcy and family law for Matthew Bender, and a task force member reviewing case management practices in courts nationwide. She has co-authored an article recommending the best practices for Florida courts.
In recognition of her contributions to the legal profession, the American Inns of Court, Spellman-Hoeveler Chapter, recently honored Sandy with the first Coach Don Shula Legends Award. Additionally, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation honored Sandy with its Community Service Award. Legal Services of Greater Miami created the Judge Sandy Karlan Law Student Fellowship. She is a past President of the Florida Chapter of the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts (FLAFCC) and a member of the International Women’s Forum.
In 1978, Sandy Karlan received her Juris Doctor degree with honors from the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami.
