Welcome to the Practice of Law

Congratulations to the new attorneys who passed the Florida Bar Exam!

Four judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit came together to celebrate this milestone with NSU Law’s new alum attorneys as retired Judge Robert Diaz administered the oath of attorney. The judges welcomed the newly-minted attorneys to the practice of law and signed their oaths of admission.

Judge Powell also administered the Oath of Attorney separately to several new attorneys in her courtroom. A group of these attorneys had been hired by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.

Pictured, left to right: (Ret.) Judge Robert Diaz, Judge Jackie Powell, Judge Melinda Brown and Judge Kal Evans at Nova Southeastern University.

Congratulations to our newest attorneys!

Women of Tomorrow Students Get a Look at Justice in Action

Students from Boyd H. Anderson High School who participate in the Women of Tomorrow mentoring organization got a firsthand look at the justice system in action this week during a busy courthouse tour.

The students met Judge Corey B. Friedman in First Appearance Court, spoke with Judge Stefanie C. Moon in Domestic Violence Court and observed a murder trial in the courtroom of Judge Michael A. Usan.

They also met with a group of public defenders and Janelle Floyd, the Public Defender’s Office Community Outreach Coordinator.

It was a great morning filled with firsthand learning about the courts, the legal system and the people who make it work.

Welcoming a New Attorney to the Florida Bar

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!

New Attorneys Sworn In Across the Courthouse

Today, judges throughout the courthouse had the honor of swearing in newly minted lawyers just hours after the Florida Board of Bar Examiners released the results of the July 2026 Florida Bar Examination. The Florida Supreme Court approved 1,700 of the 2,500 first-time applicants who took the full exam in Tampa for admission to The Florida Bar.

Among those celebrating their accomplishments today:

  • Crystal Couso — St. Thomas University
  • Rachel Stazzone — Florida International University
  • Jonathan Strauss — Nova Southeastern University
  • Liliana Zavala — University of Miami

(Sworn in by Judge Michele Towbin Singer)

  • Edon Saiyag — Florida State University (Sworn in by Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips)
  • Brooke Olefson – Nova Southeastern University (Sworn in by her mother Judge Shari Africk-Olefson)

Congratulations to all of the newest members of The Florida Bar! Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in these new lawyers’ legal careers.

Judge Swears in Daughter Who Passed Bar Exam

Today, judges throughout the courthouse had the honor of swearing in newly minted lawyers just hours after the Florida Board of Bar Examiners released the results of the July 2026 Florida Bar Examination. The Florida Supreme Court approved 1,700 of the 2,500 first-time applicants who took the full exam in Tampa for admission to The Florida Bar.

And in a particularly special moment, Judge Shari Africk-Olefson swore in her daughter Brooke, who earned her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. She plans to specialize in Intellectual Property and Corporate work.

Congratulations to all of the newest members of The Florida Bar! Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in these new lawyers’ legal careers.

Judge Kal Evans Speaks With Law Students

Judge Kal Evans was recently invited to speak at a meeting of the Black Law Students Association at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law.

Judge Evans said he was impressed by how quickly the new law students became involved in voluntary student organizations. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with these budding law students and welcome them as they begin their legal education.

A great start to the school year!

Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram