Phyllis D. Kotey

Phyllis D. Kotey is a distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at Nova Southeastern University College of Law and a Clinical Professor of Law at Florida International University (FIU) College of Law, where she has taught since 2004. She directs FIU’s Externship and Pro Bono Programs and has spearheaded student-led legal service initiatives in Colombia, New Orleans post-Katrina, and beyond. An experienced senior judge and former assistant state attorney, she specializes in judicial ethics, criminal law and procedure, trial practice, and access to justice.

Education:

• M.A., Public Administration, University of Florida (1989)
• J.D., University of Florida (1985)
• B.A., University of Florida (1981)

Research & Scholarly Interests:

Kotey’s scholarship and practice focus on judicial ethics, courtroom bias reduction, alternative dispute resolution, criminal law and procedure, and experiential legal education. Her Fulbright research in Ghana examined ADR mechanisms and access to justice, and she continues to work internationally with judiciaries in Ukraine, South Korea, and Greece to create bias-free legal systems.

Professional Leadership & Awards:

• FIU Top Scholar (2014)
• Fulbright U.S. Scholar, Accra, Ghana (2012–2013)
• Difference Maker Award – ABA GP Solo (2020)
• Faculty Professionalism Award – The Florida Bar (2020)
• V. Robert Payant Excellence in Teaching Award – National Judicial College (2020)

Service & Outreach:

She chairs the faculty council of the National Judicial College and is president of the American Caribbean Law Initiative. She serves as a Title IX hearing officer for FIU and as a commissioner on the ABA Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, among numerous other bar and judicial committees.