Judge Angela J. Cowden: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Angela J. Cowden is a judge for the 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Charlie Crist on June 1, 2008, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Ralph Artigliere.

The 10th Judicial Circuit encompasses Hardee County, Highlands County, and Polk County. Cowden has held assignments in Highlands County, presiding over cases in the Civil Division, the Criminal Division, the Probate Division, the Juvenile Division, the Probate Division, and the Domestic Division. She also served as a magistrate for the Teen Court (1996 to present).

Prior to her appointment, Cowden was a judge for the Polk County Court, a position to which she was named by former Governor Jeb Bush on September 2, 2003.

Cowden earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry (1986) and a master's degree in business administration (1989) from Florida Southern College. She spent the next five years working as a chemist at Sherex Chemical before completing a J.D. at Stetson University College of Law in 1993.

After graduating from law school, Cowden began her legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit. She served in that capacity until 2003, prosecuting general felonies, economic crimes, and elder abuse cases.

Her memberships have included the Lakeland Bar Association, the Willson American Inn of Court, the Highlands County Bar Association, the Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, and the Jane Austen Society of North America.

Cowden was raised in Lakeland, Florida.