ORLANDO, Fla. – For more than two decades, Judge Belvin Perry worked for the people of Orange and Osceola counties. Now, the judge who presided over the Casey Anthony murder trial will work for the law firm that is "for the people."
Just days after officially resigning his post as the chief judge of Florida's Ninth Judicial Circuit, where he served nearly 25 years as a judge, Perry announced Tuesday that he's headed back to private practice and joining the Morgan and Morgan Law Firm.
The 64-year-old Perry gained international fame while presiding over Anthony's 2011 murder trial.
Perry said he is looking forward to being back in the courtroom trying cases. Before his post on the bench, Perry spent several years as a prosecutor.
"I have a golden opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do, and that's practice personal injury law," Perry said. "I've always wanted to do that. I've always wanted to be that giant who looked out for the little guy."
Morgan & Morgan represents Zenaida Gonzalez, who's suing Anthony for defamation.
"Casey Anthony, as far as I'm concerned, is a closed book for me. Period," Perry said at Tuesday's news conference. He didn't offer any other comment about the firm's case against Anthony.
In a letter to Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Perry said it's been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Orange and Osceola counties for nearly 25 years.
"I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life," he said.
Perry becomes the latest prominent Florida name to join the Morgan firm, which also includes gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist.
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