Law News Releases
FAMU Law Alumnus Juna Pulayya Appointed to Judgeship by Governor
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For Immediate Release
March 5, 2024
ORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law alumnus Juna Pulayya was recently appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as a judge on the Osceola County Court in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
“When I learned about my appointment as a judge to the Osceola County bench I was deeply humbled and honored,” said Pulayya. “I am looking forward to continuing to give back to my community in this position and to serve the citizens of Osceola County. The role of the legal system in our community is vital to our country’s democratic system and I feel privileged to be able to be a part of that system.”
Pulayya has served as magistrate for juvenile dependency, juvenile truancy, and child and family in need services for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Pulayya has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida in history, a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Stetson University and his Juris Doctor from FAMU College of Law in 2009.
The opportunity to work while attending the evening program at FAMU Law helped him reach his career goals. “During my time at FAMU Law, I was able to make connections with my now colleagues, as well as make lasting connections with some of my professors,” Pulayya said. “FAMU Law is the school that gave me the chance to sit for the bar exam and begin my legal career. For that, I’m grateful.”
For FAMU College of Law Associate Provost and Interim Dean Cecil Howard, the alumni accomplishments are the perfect motivator for the law school student body. “It’s always great to hear about the professional accomplishments of our law school alumni,” said Howard.
Pulayya added, “I hope others will see with hard work, determination, perseverance, and faith you can achieve anything you wish in this great country. I am living proof we can achieve our goals if we are willing to put in the time. I also believe that surrounding yourself with those that love and support you is important to your individual success. I am full of gratitude and appreciation for all those that have assisted me along the way to get me to where I am today.”
The reestablished FAMU College of Law has produced more than 2800 graduates who are lawyers and leaders, produced more than 1100 licensed minority attorneys in Florida, produced 12 sitting judges in Florida, Georgia and Missouri, and produced one sitting state attorney.
Media Contact: Stephanie Strong, 407-784-1554, stephanie.strong@famu.edu