With the recent announcement of the July 2019 Florida Bar examination results, scores of soon-to-be-attorneys are being sworn in around the state. Judge Levenson swore in two new attorneys today in his courtroom. Whether private or public ceremony, the Seventeenth Circuit judiciary is always available to help in administering the attorney oath. Next week, the central courthouse will host a mass swearing-in ceremony in the jury room for new attorneys.

The second presentation of the two-part event, “The Opioid Crisis: How it Affects You!” took place on August 29, featuring experts in the field discussing different treatment options and approaches to drug abuse. More than 100 people from the community attended the event which included the presentations and a question and answer session.

Last week, in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, The Broward County Hispanic Bar Association, The Broward Bar Association and the Broward County Latin Entrepreneurs hosted  “Behind the Gavel: A Celebration of Hispanic Judges,”  honoring the work of the Hispanic judges of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The evening event drew quite a crowd, honoring the twelve circuit and county judges on the bench in Broward County.

Thank you to the Broward Voluntary Bar Associations for all the hard work gathering and delivering aid supplies for the Bahamas this past weekend, as part of the Hurricane Dorian relief effort. Several judges, attorneys, and their families, all pitched in to load up and deliver truckfulls of supplies to a city collection spot.

Judge Greene lent a helping hand to the Hurricane Dorian relief effort this weekend when he flew more than 1,500 pounds of supplies in his personal airplane, to the Bahamas. As a member of Mercy Flight Southeast, Judge Greene regularly flies for humanitarian causes. This particular trip was arranged by Mercy Flight Southeast and coordinated with Bahamas Methodist Habitat, Crossroads Alliance, and Charlie-Mike Disaster Relief.

The Broward County Bar Association’s Mentoring and Professionalism Committees are hosting a welcome ceremony for all new members of the Florida Bar and will be swearing in as new attorneys individuals who have passed the July 2019 bar exam and received their bar clearance. This free swearing in ceremony will held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Broward County Courthouse Walter G. “Skip” Campbell Tower in the Broward Judicial Complex located at 201 S.E. 6^th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 at 5:00P.M. in Courtroom 15150.

A reception will follow the swearing in ceremony on the 15^th Floor of the West Wing of the Walter G. “Skip” Campbell Tower in the Broward Judicial Complex for the newly sworn in attorneys and their families to meet the judges, magistrates, attorneys, clerks and other professionals working in the Broward County Court Complex. We will be inviting seasoned lawyers who have agreed to be mentors to new members of the Bar and young lawyers in their respective fields.

All participants being sworn in are required to bring with them their Oath of Office, State Identification/Driver’s License and must RSVP online in order to have a space reserved.

For reservations and further information, please contact Braulio Rosa at the Broward County Bar Association, 1051 SE 3^rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, (954) 832-3620 or register online at https://www.browardbar.org/calendar/#!event/2019/9/24/swearing-in-ceremony

Last week, Judge Mindy Brown and Judge Ari Porth attended the second annual Tie the Knots event for Bowtie Kids, a non-profit organization devoted to children living with chronic pain. The event, hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, is put on to raise money and awareness of the cause.

Last week, the Broward County Crime Commission honored Judge Mindy Brown and Judge Kal Evans with Superior Public Service Awards for their commitment and service to the community.

Congratulations!

Judge Fahnestock and Judge Frink attended and completed the National Judicial College’s Faculty Development Workshop from August 19th to the 22nd, in Nevada. Founded in 1963, The National Judicial College is the nation’s leading provider of judicial education, and their mission is: Making the world a more just place by educating and inspiring its judiciary.

The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, and all Broward Courthouses, will be OPEN for regular business on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

The Seventeenth Circuit announces the closure of all Broward Courts on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.

These decisions are difficult with the storm traveling at such a slow pace. However, with schools closing and non-essential buildings in Broward closing, we choose to er on the side of caution.

All court dates or deadlines missed will be handled by an order from the Chief Justice.

Please stay safe.