Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced two judicial appointments, both from Tampa, to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court.
Michael Hooi, of Tampa, to serve as Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Hooi has served as a Hillsborough County Court Judge since 2021. Previously, he worked as an Associate Attorney at Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A. He represented creditors and debtors in corporate and consumer bankruptcies, out-of-court workouts, and alternatives to bankruptcy, and litigated in trial and appellate state and federal courts. He also worked on complex transactions, some of which involved international clients.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Hooi fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Barbas. Judge Hooi is a descendant of Chinese immigrants. His paternal grandfather emigrated with his family from China and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His mother is a naturalized Chinese-American citizen from Indonesia.
Joseph Tompkins, of Tampa, to serve as Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Judge Tompkins has served as a Hillsborough County Court Judge since 2021. Previously, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. Judge Tompkins successfully prosecuted civil rights and tax violations, while defending the interests of the United States, its military institutions, and federal agencies in civil, criminal, and bankruptcy matters throughout all stages of litigation.
He earned his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from Ave Maria University. Tompkins fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Corvo. Judge Tompkins was born and raised in Tampa Bay and is the son of a Cuban immigrant on his mother’s side and a descendant of one of the Founding Fathers on his father’s side.
