Laurita Vaz is elected the first female president of the STJ (Superior Court of Justice).

Do Conjur - The Superior Court of Justice elected Minister Laurita Vaz as president of the court this Wednesday (June 1st). She is the first woman to preside over the court, created in 1989. Minister Humberto Martins was elected vice-president. The new Inspector General of Justice will be Minister João Otávio de Noronha — his name still needs to be approved by the Senate. All were elected by acclamation.

The leadership positions at the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) are filled according to seniority. The president is always the minister with the longest tenure who has never held the position. The vice-president is the second most senior, and the inspector general is the third most senior. The other positions follow the same rule.

With Laurita, the ministers hope for less conflict-ridden times than under the current administration of Minister Francisco Falcão. The expectation is also that the full court will participate more in important decisions.

All the changes will take place in September, when the terms end. Nancy Andrighi, who was removed from her jurisdiction to serve in the National Inspectorate, will return to the 3rd Panel, where she was before going to the CNJ (National Council of Justice). Minister Francisco Falcão will move to the 2nd Panel, occupying the seat left vacant by Humberto Martins.

Minister Maria Thereza will take over as Director-General of the National School for the Training and Improvement of Magistrates (Enfam). Minister Luis Felipe Salomão will leave the 4th Chamber to join the 6th Chamber, where he will judge criminal matters.

Minister Laurita was chosen after Minister Nancy Andrighi, the most senior member of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), relinquished the position, as she communicated in an official letter sent to her colleagues. Noronha, by order, would be the vice-president, but he preferred to go to the National Council of Justice's (CNJ) Inspectorate. Afterwards, he will go directly to the presidency of the court.

Minister Noronha stated during the event that it is not the time to look to the past and past disagreements. "It is time to prepare for the future." Minister Salomão added: "We are always delegates of the Plenary."

The change was well received in the legal world:

Cesar Asfor Rocha, lawyer, former president and vice-president of the Superior Court of Justice and former National Inspector General of Justice
"What Minister Laurita Vaz, Ministers João Otávio de Noronha and Humberto Martins have in common, among many others, are these virtues to be praised: institutional commitment, dedication to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), and impeccable reputation. Furthermore, they maintain fraternal relations with each other."
There are certainly differences between them, but they are complementary.

Laurita is a former member of the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, having always worked in the Criminal Law Section; she is driven by a serene spirit, seemingly introspective, which hides an unwavering firmness; she will certainly contribute greatly to making relations cordial between some ministers who are currently on edge. She will bring peace to the court.

João Otávio came directly from the legal profession, where he achieved great prominence; at the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), he worked primarily in the Private Law Section. Today, he is one of the Court's leading opinion leaders. With an assertive stance, he doesn't back down in debates, without losing his civility. Humberto arrived at the STJ as a State Judge and has always worked in the Public Law Section. He has an extraordinary work capacity—his is one of the two Ministerial Offices with the fewest cases; he is a skilled negotiator, a defuser of intrigues, with a knack for persuasion, and a keen sense of justice. The Superior Court of Justice will undoubtedly experience good times.

Dalton Miranda, tax lawyer at Trench, Rossi e Watanabe:
"I believe that the minister's leadership will bring a breath of fresh air to the court, both for internal and external audiences, dispelling a mistaken view we've had in recent times of an 'outright war' between two distinct groups. The minister will have the opportunity to improve the delivery of justice. The mission of uniting the court is difficult, but not impossible."

Luis Alexandre Rassi, criminal lawyer:
"The Superior Court of Justice traditionally has leaders who reflect its dignified character. The passions of the last administration damaged the court's image. It is up to the new administration to rescue a court torn apart by divisions, intrigues, and hatreds that need to be resolved internally. I believe the president will succeed."

Cristiane Romano, partner at Machado Meyer Sendacz Opice Advogados:
"The minister is very helpful and attends to lawyers very well. With her as president, I believe that lawyers will have greater dialogue. We are confident and hopeful that there will be an improvement in the procedures of judgments before the Special Court, in order to allow for better practice of law. As vice-president, Minister Humberto Martins will certainly continue the excellent work that was being carried out by Minister Laurita Vaz's office in the swift and careful assessment of the admissibility of extraordinary appeals."

Carlos José Santos da Silva, president of the Center for Studies of Law Firms (Cesa):
"The legal profession places its trust and confidence in a frank and open dialogue with the new leadership of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), given that two of its leaders come from the legal profession, which makes us very proud. The election of Minister Laurita Vaz is a recognition of the importance of women in the legal field."

Otavio Luiz Rodrigues Jr., professor of Civil Law at USP
"The new leadership of the Superior Court of Justice preserves the court's best traditions, which represents an important factor in institutional stability. Ministers Laurita Vaz, Humberto Martins, and João Otávio de Noronha are recognized by the legal community, and all possess administrative experience in important areas of the STJ. I symbolically highlight the importance of the election of Minister Humberto Martins, one of the great Brazilian magistrates and who has proven to be one of the most efficient managers of the Judiciary. He will be a factor of balance and harmony at the top of the most important ordinary jurisdiction court in the country."