Judge William S. Orth: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. William S. Orth is a judge for the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Marlene Alva (Ret.).

Prior to his appointment, Orth handled family and criminal law matters as a partner in the Law Office of William S. Orth (2009 to 2021) and Bigney & Orth, P.A. (2000 to 2009). Before that, he spent two years working as an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit (1998 to 2000).

Orth received a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati in 1995. He went on to complete a J.D. at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1998. As a law student, Orth was editor of the Journal of International Law.

His memberships have included the Orange County Bar Association, the Seminole County Bar Association, and the Seminole Inn of Court (past president).

Orth was also involved with the Kids House of Seminole (volunteer), the Seminole County Community Leaders and Elected Officials of Seminole County, and the Private Business Association of Seminole County. He served on the Board of Directors of the Altamonte Springs Rotary Club (past president), the Lake Mary Rotary Club, and the J. Douglas Williams YMCA (chair).

He is a graduate of Leadership Seminole (Class 23).