Federal Judicial Center Operational Status:
Due to a lapse in appropriations, the Federal Judicial Center (Center) has ceased all non-excepted activities until funding is restored.
The Center will post any changes in operational status on this web page. Please check back for updates.
You are here
Altonaga, Cecilia M.
Born 1962 in Baltimore, MD
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Nominated by George W. Bush on January 15, 2003, to a seat vacated by Shelby Highsmith. Confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2003, and received commission on May 7, 2003. Served as chief judge, 2021-present.
Education:
Florida International University, B.A., 1983
Yale Law School, J.D., 1986
Professional Career:
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Nominated by George W. Bush on January 15, 2003, to a seat vacated by Shelby Highsmith. Confirmed by the Senate on May 6, 2003, and received commission on May 7, 2003. Served as chief judge, 2021-present.
Education:
Florida International University, B.A., 1983
Yale Law School, J.D., 1986
Professional Career:
Attorney, Dade County [Florida] Attorney's Office, 1986-1987
Law clerk, Hon. Edward B. Davis, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, 1987-1988
Assistant county attorney, Dade County, Florida, 1988-1996
Judge, Miami-Dade County [Florida] Court, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, 1996-1999
Judge, Circuit Court of Florida, Eleventh Judicial Circuit, 1999-2003
