Judges in the Eighth Judicial Circuit got generally favorable ratings from attorneys in the 2021 survey by the circuit Bar Association. The annual evaluation is intended to help inform the public about judges by providing perspective from attorneys who practice before them. “We don’t analyze. We compile the data we receive and give it to the chief judge of the circuit and to the federal court district,” Bar President Philip Kabler said. “It’s a public service. We are public stewards and this has been going on for a long time.” Circuit and county judges are elected, though some may first earn a seat through appointment by the governor to fill a vacancy. The Eighth Circuit is comprised of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.