Pitts Named Florida Workers’ Compensation Judge by Gov. Crist

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed Neal P. Pitts of Orlando as judge of Compensation Claims, succeeding Ivy Cream Harris in the Jacksonville district.

Pitts, 55, has been a sole practitioner since 1987 and from 1983 to 1985. He has also practiced law with Pitts and Davis from 1993 to 2003; with Pitts and Maguire and Pitts, Maguire and Durie from 1985 to 1987; with Pitts, Eubanks and Ross from 1983 to 1985 and from 1978 to 1981; with Maxwell W. Wells Jr. from 1982 to 1983; with Piersol, Borroughs, Grimm and Bennett in 1981.

Pitts earned a bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1975. He earned a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1978 and a Master of Law degree in taxation from the University of Florida in 1982.

The Florida Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims is part of the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH). The OJCC adjudicates disputes over workers’ compensation benefits.

The OJCC operates 17 district offices. Each judge of is appointed by the Governor for a four year term, based upon the recommendation of the Statewide Judicial Nominating Commission.