Wood Smith Henning & Berman proudly announces that Ralph V. Seegobin, Jr., a senior associate in its Orlando office, has been appointed to Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit Court by Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis. His appointment follows a career spanning civil litigation, criminal prosecution, consumer protection, education law, and legal instruction.
In his October 5, 2026, appointment letter, Governor DeSantis wrote, "Your appointment is evidence of my utmost confidence in your ability to serve with excellence and distinction."
"Ralph has devoted much of his career to public service and to the demanding work of researching, litigating, and teaching the law," said Partner Ryan Schoeb. "We are extremely proud of his appointment and look forward to seeing him bring that experience and dedication to the bench."
At WSHB, Seegobin focuses his practice on complex general liability matters. He brings extensive trial experience and a substantial background in post-conviction litigation, including constitutional claims, evidentiary issues, and advocacy requiring detailed legal research and writing.
Before joining the firm, Seegobin served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit. He handled hundreds of homicide and sex crime cases, primarily in post-conviction proceedings, and served as both first-chair and second-chair counsel at trial. In 2022, the elected State Attorney's executive team nominated him for the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association's Gene Barry Award. In 2024, the appointed State Attorney presented him with the Career Service Award.
Seegobin also served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Florida Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, where he worked with a team investigating and litigating cases under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. As a Staff Attorney for Volusia County Schools, he handled exceptional student education matters, drafted and reviewed contracts, and addressed Department of Justice and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance.
"I am honored by Governor DeSantis's confidence in me and grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court," said Seegobin. "My work in public service and private practice has deepened my respect for the responsibilities of the judiciary. I look forward to serving the community with care, fairness, and a commitment to the law."
Alongside his legal practice, Seegobin teaches as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida. He has also taught at Daytona State College and delivered lectures for the Florida Bar's continuing legal education program as well as the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association. He also sits on the Florida Bar's Ninth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "B." Seegobin currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for AMIkids Orlando, a workforce development program that prepares youth for rewarding careers.
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