Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointments of Rachael Loukonen and Trent Reichling as judges for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court.
Rachael Loukonen
Rachael Loukonen, of Estero, brings extensive legal experience to the bench. Since 2019, she has been a Shareholder at Cheffy Passidomo, P.A., a respected Florida law firm. Prior to that, she served as Director at Dentons Cohen & Grigsby, P.C.
Loukonen holds both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the University of Florida, reflecting her strong ties to the state’s academic and legal communities. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Schreiber.
Trent Reichling
Trent Reichling, of Fort Myers, has significant experience in both federal and state prosecution. Since 2018, he has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Before this role, he worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami-Dade County.
Reichling earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Mercer University. He will take over the position vacated by Judge Steinbeck, who recently resigned.
These appointments reinforce the judiciary in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, which serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties, ensuring continued commitment to excellence in Florida’s legal system.
