Congratulations to Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, recipient of the Gavel Award. Judge Mastrarrigo was among the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Hispanic judges who came together Thursday at Nova Southeastern University to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the many contributions of Hispanic members of our judiciary.

We are proud to recognize Judge Mastrarrigo and to celebrate all of our Hispanic judges whose service, leadership and dedication strengthen our courts and the communities we serve.

The Gavel Award is presented during the annual Behind the Gavel celebration, hosted jointly by the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association (BCHBA) and the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA). The award recognizes a distinguished member of Broward County’s Hispanic judiciary or a past president for outstanding service, leadership and dedication to the legal community.

Held annually during Hispanic Heritage Month, Behind the Gavel celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic judges and magistrates in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit.

Congratulations new lawyer Melissa Hyman! Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips administered the Oath of Attorney today as Melissa’s proud parents looked on. The Nova Southeastern Law School graduate recently learned she passed the July 2026 Florida Bar Exam. She will be specializing in personal injury law. Welcome to the law!

Students from Somerset Academy Village in Wilton Manors toured the courthouse Tuesday, getting a firsthand look at the people and services that make up the justice system.

Their day included a visit to First Appearance Court with Judge Corey B. Friedman, followed by meetings with County Court Judge Melinda Broward and Circuit Court Judge George Odom Jr.

The students also visited the Clothing Closet, where Marie Alvarez Ortiz explained how the service helps people in need obtain appropriate clothing for court. then they met Tayron Lopez, Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Felony Trial Division, who explained the role of public defenders and how they advocate for their clients.

During their visit, they met up with Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda D. Forman, who shared what she does and talked about her own career journey.

It was a day of hands-on learning that helped make the justice system tangible and real for the students.

Judge Corey B. Friedman on Tuesday swore in Einav Cohen, who passed the July 2026 Florida Bar Examination.

A Parkland native, Einav is a graduate of Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Georgia. She now lives in Boston, where she works for a law firm, and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Massachusetts.

Congratulations, Einav! We wish you continued success as you begin this exciting new chapter in your legal career!