Open seat • Broward County
Broward County Circuit Court • Group 52
Elect Kathleen “Katie” O’Brien Hinkle
Experience that Brings Balance to the Bench.
A lifelong Broward County resident, experienced trial attorney, court-qualified arbitrator, and certified by the Florida Supreme Court to mediate cases at every level of the state's civil court system: circuit, county, family, and appellate.
Vote informed. Vote for experience.
- 15 Years Legal Experience
- Balanced Courtroom Perspective
- Broward Native Community Roots
Meet Katie
A lifelong Broward resident prepared to serve with fairness and balance
This campaign is centered on experience, professionalism, integrity, and respect for every person who comes before the court.
Local Roots
A lifelong Broward resident
Katie was born at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, raised in Broward County, and educated locally before returning home for law school at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law.
Courtroom Experience
A courtroom-tested attorney
Since becoming an attorney in 2011, Katie has built a broad legal career as a former Assistant State Attorney and civil litigator.
Balanced Perspective
Experience on both sides
Katie has represented both sides of civil cases - people bringing claims and people defending them - giving her a balanced view of how the courtroom looks from every angle.
Judicial Philosophy
Fairness. Equality. Impartiality.
Katie believes the courtroom is where disputes are resolved peacefully under the rule of law, and where every person deserves dignity and respect.
Fairness
Every person deserves to be heard and treated with respect.
Integrity
Respect for the law, the courtroom, and the people it serves.
Impartiality
Decisions grounded in the law and the facts of each case.
Experience
Experience that brings balance to the bench
Katie's career combines criminal trial work, civil litigation, mediation, and arbitration - broad, practical experience that matters in circuit court.
Became an attorney
Built a legal career grounded in preparation, professionalism, and courtroom experience.
Assistant State Attorney
Served in Broward County and developed direct courtroom experience.
Plaintiff and defense perspective
Represented both sides of civil cases, strengthening her understanding of disputes from every angle.
Arbitration and mediation
Serves as a court-qualified arbitrator and Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County, Family, and Appellate Mediator.
Campaign Message
The most experienced and most balanced candidate for the position.
Katie's campaign message is simple: extensive courtroom experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to applying the law fairly and impartially for every person who comes before the court.
- Experience
- Balanced perspective
- Impartial and fair
Qualifications & Leadership
- B.A. in English, University of Florida
- J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- Assistant State Attorney, Broward County
- Civil litigator for both plaintiffs and defendants
- Qualified Arbitrator
- Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit, County, Family, and Appellate Mediator
- 2026-2027 Executive Board, Broward County Women Lawyers
- 2026-2027 Co-Chair, The Florida Bar ADR Section Membership Committee
Support the Campaign
Help elect Katie Hinkle for Broward County Circuit Court Judge
Every contribution of time, trust, and support helps voters learn about Katie's experience and balanced courtroom perspective.
Contact
Connect with the campaign
Reach the campaign by email or phone, or follow Katie on social media for public updates.
Campaign Contact
- Email: info@KatieHinkleForJudge.com
- Phone: 954-228-4210
- Website: KatieHinkleForJudge.com
Social Links
- Instagram: @KatieHinkleForCircuitJudge
- Facebook: Katie Hinkle for Broward Circuit Court Judge, Group 52