The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Drug Court team traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend All Rise 2026, the nation’s premier training conference on addiction, mental health, and justice innovation.

The conference brought together judges, court professionals, treatment providers, and justice system partners from across the country to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn about the latest evidence-based approaches to treatment courts. Attendees participated in educational sessions focused on emerging research, innovative strategies, and effective practices that help improve outcomes for participants while strengthening problem-solving courts nationwide.

Pictured from left to right are front row: Angela Lewis, Laura Alvarez, and Tabitha Black; back row: Margarita Joseph, Ben Francois, Judge Michael Davis, who presides over the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Adult Drug Court, and Russell Edwards, Drug Court Manager.

County Court judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit joined colleagues from across Florida July 21–23 in Palm Beach County for the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. More than 250 county court judges from across the state attended.

The conference featured educational sessions led by fellow judges, providing opportunities to continue judicial education, discuss common legal and administrative issues, improve court operations, and develop recommendations on matters affecting Florida’s county courts.

Continuing education helps ensure judges remain current on changes in the law and best practices, strengthening the administration of justice for the communities they serve.

Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo welcomed Attorney Juan Carlos Arias this week to speak with the 17th Judicial Circuit’s 2026 Summer Judicial Interns, representing law schools mostly from across the state.

The internship program gives aspiring attorneys the opportunity to observe courtroom proceedings, assist with legal research, connect with judges and other legal professionals, and gain valuable insight into the practice of law through candid discussions and mentorship.

A special thank you to Judge Mastrarrigo for generously sharing her time and helping provide such a meaningful learning experience for the next generation of legal professionals.

There’s simply no substitute for learning firsthand from experienced professionals in the legal field.

Students from Day Camp Miami got a firsthand look at the justice system during a visit to the 17th Judicial Circuit!

The group visited the courtroom of Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, where they learned why judges wear black robes, how judges are selected, and what happens inside a courtroom.

The students also met a fingerprint expert from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, who inked their fingertips and taught them about fingerprint patterns, including whorls, arches, and loops. Assistant Public Defender Gabe Ermine rounded out the experience by explaining the role of a public defender and introducing the students to the basics of criminal law.

There’s no better way to learn about the law than by experiencing it firsthand!#17thjudteam

Congratulations Judge Martin S. Fein on your appointment to the Florida Supreme Court’s Criminal Court Steering Committee. Judge Fein is the Administrative Judge for Circuit Criminal for the 17th Judicial Circuit. Judge Fein was appointed by Chief Justice John D. Couriel. Read our press release HERE.