Bradenton attorney rises to new role: judge

Bradenton family law attorney Teresa “Teri” Kaklis Dees been named a judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto counties.

Dees, according to a release, will replace Judge Lee Haworth, who is retiring next month after more than two decades on the bench in the 12th Circuit. Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed Dees, who has been a partner at Bradenton-based Weiffenbach & Kaklis since 1997, to her new position on the court.

“Teri brings years of legal experience to the 12th Circuit Court bench,” Scott says in the release. “I know she will continue to serve Florida families honorably.”

Dees, 43, of Palmetto, earned her law degree from the University of Florida. Her practice focuses mostly on family law, where she has handled more than 1,000 cases, including divorces, paternity, child support and domestic violence injunctions. She also represents juveniles in juvenile delinquency cases.