Meet Judge Pacheco
Judge Javier Pacheco was appointed to serve as a Lee County Judge by Governor Ron DeSantis in July 2025. Before taking the bench, he earned statewide respect as a Board Certified Specialist in Business Litigation, representing clients in complex civil cases for over twenty years. His practice included construction, real estate, homeowner and condominium associations, intellectual property, landlord-tenant issues, negligence and torts, product liability, insurance coverage, and employment disputes in both state and federal courts.
Born in Lima, Peru, Javier came to the United States at age nine when his family fled communist terrorism in search of freedom and safety. That experience gave him a lifelong appreciation for the promise of America and a clear understanding of how fragile freedom can be when the rule of law is not respected. It is what drives his deep reverence for the United States Constitution and the principles of liberty and justice it enshrines. He believes the Constitution must be followed and applied as intended by the framers, not reshaped to fit political or social trends. As a judge, he applies that belief every day by upholding the rule of law and ensuring that every person who appears before him is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. After earning his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Ohio State University and his law degree magna cum laude from Case Western Reserve University, Judge Pacheco built a successful career as a partner at Porter Wright Morris and Arthur LLP.
Over the course of two decades, he became known for his disciplined work ethic, thoughtful judgment, and unwavering commitment to fairness, accountability, and justice. Judge Pacheco and his wife, Paula, have lived in Bonita Springs since 2008, where they are raising their two children. Much of their family life revolves around youth sports and school activities across Southwest Florida. He enjoys coaching, playing and refereeing soccer, volunteering, fishing, cooking, playing pickleball, basketball, and tennis, and spending time with his family.
Judge Javier Pacheco brings to the bench real-world experience, a lifetime appreciation for freedom, and a steady commitment to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law for every citizen of Lee County.
ON THE BENCH
ON THE BENCH
The Keep Judge Pacheco Committee
Chairs: Christopher D. Donovan, W. Jeffery Cecil, and Gary Donabed
State Attorney Amira Fox
Hon. Stephen Russell
Hon. Ita Neymotin
Basil Bain
Chad Brazzeal
Karla Campos-Andersen
Cindy Cedeno
Edward Cheffy
John Costello
Gary Donabed
Christina Flatau
Allen Furrer
Craig Goddy
Roshani Gunewardene Esquire
Kelsey Hazzard
Amanda Keller
Anthony Lawhon
Donna Marshall
Terry Miller
Shelley Perry
Jamie Schwinghamer
Tedd Tripp
Sara White
Public Defender Kathy Smith
Hon. Hugh Hayes
Marve Ann Alaimo
Marshall Bender
John Cardillo
Chris Cathey
Hilda Cenecharles
James Coleman
Tara Dane
Christopher Donovan
James Forry
John Garner
Chris Goldhorn
Connor Hagan
Philip Howard
James Kelleher
Matthew Linde
Anthony McClure
Melissa Murphy
Sam Sandadi
Michael Sneeringer
Mario Valle
Ted Zelman
Ret. Sheriff Mike Scott
Hon. Tom Grady
Scott Atwood
Steven Blount
John T. Cardillo
W. Jeffery Cecil
Margo Ceresney
Holly Cosby
Kelly Davis
Scott Duval
Fitz Frater
Paul Gionis
Tom Goldman
Jennifer Hamilton
Marc Huling
George Knott
Kimberly Lopater
Jason Mikes
Ruth Orange
PJ Scheiner
Michael Traficante
Richard Weldon
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A track record of decisiveness, fairness, & leadership
Judicial Assignment
County Civil Division
Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., Magna Cum Laude, 2005
The Ohio State University, B.A., Magna Cum Laude, 2002
Prior Work Experience
Partner, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, 2005-2025
Professional Experience
The Florida Bar
Trial Lawyers Division
Lee County Bar Association
Collier County Bar Association
Board Member 2024-2025
Calusa Inns of Court
Michael R.N. McDonnell Inns of Court
President, 2020-2021
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee
U.S. Court for the Middle District of Florida’s Merit Selection Panel for Fort Myers U.S. Magistrate Judge
Community Associations
Community Advisory Board for the Bonita Springs branch of YMCA of Southwest Florida
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Volunteer
Royal Palm Academy Catholic School, Volunteer
Immokalee High School Mock Trial Team: Coach
SWFL, Inc. (formerly the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce)
Board of Directors 2016-2019; YP Steering Committee Co-Chair 2017-2018; Impact SWFL Steering Committee and co-founder, 2017
Cancer Alliance Network
Board of Directors 2014-2020; President 2019-2020
Cub Scout Pack 226, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
Pack Camping Chair, 2015-2017
Florida Fire Juniors, board of directors 2019.
Florida West F.C., ECNL-R soccer coach 2019-2025, U.S. Soccer Federation “C” License
SCORE Naples, Volunteer Business Counselor, 2011-2016
Leadership Bonita, Class of 2015
Council of Hispanic Business Professionals
2008-2015; Board of Directors/Vice President, 2013-2015
Esperanza, Inc.
Board of Directors, 2006; Second Vice President, 2007
Awards and Honors
Board Certified Specialist in Business Litigation Law, 2015-2025
Southwest Florida Federal Court Bar Association, Extraordinary Pro Bono Service Award, 2016
Best Lawyers in America 2025, 2024, 2023
Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction, 2021
Naples Illustrated, Top Lawyers, Construction Law, 2021
Florida Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars Edition, 2009-2011,2013-2022
Gulfshore Business, 40 Under 40, 2014
Lawyers of Color’s Hot List, 2013
Kaleidoscope Magazine, Cuarenta/Cuarenta Club (40 Hispanic leaders, ages 45 and under), 2007
Clinical Legal Education Association, Outstanding Student Award, 2005
The Ohio State University, Outstanding Criminology Student, 2002
Order of the Coif