The historic “double” investiture on Aug. 28 for Judge Jeremy I. Franker was a first for the 17^th Judicial Circuit.

The former federal prosecutor – who was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the County Court bench on Feb. 25 – was scheduled to have his County Court investiture on Aug. 28 when he was notified of Aug. 19 of a big change: the Governor was elevating him to the Circuit Court bench. The unusual circumstances marked the first time a judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit has been elevated to another court before the investiture for the first judicial appointment.

The news meant plans for Judge Franker’s Aug. 28th formal robing ceremony for County Court had to quickly be revised to also include an investiture for Circuit Court. Judge Franker’s double investiture in courtroom 17150 meant two proclamations (one for County Court and one for Circuit Court) and some last minute program changes.

Welcome to the Circuit Court bench Judge Franker!

Members of the Young Lawyers Section of the Broward County Bar Association recently joined Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips for lunch as part of the BCBA’s “Lunch with the Judiciary” program.

The program provides an opportunity to promote dialogue and strengthen relationships between the judiciary and members of the Broward Bar. Over sandwiches and cookies, the young lawyers asked questions and enjoyed a candid, one-on-one conversation with the Chief Judge.

The afternoon wrapped up with photos to commemorate a great opportunity for connection and conversation between the bench and the bar.

The 17th Judicial Circuit has a new Circuit Court judge!

We are pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Arthmann to the Circuit Court bench. Judge Arthmann currently serves as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee. He was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, Aug. 20th.

Judge Arthmann is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and the Florida State University College of Law. He has worked more than 20 years for the State of Florida, with tenure at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Human Services, the Florida Department of Corrections and the Department of Children and Family Services. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

We are delighted to welcome Judge Arthmann to the bench! Read our press release HERE.

The 17^th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the election of Veronica N. Walker to the County Court bench. Judge-elect Walker defeated opponent Debi Gheorge Alten in the August 18^th election and will be sworn in next January.

Judge Walker currently is an Assistant State Attorney in the Broward State Attorney’s Office where she has worked since 2017. She is the lead prosecutor in the Hate Crimes Unit and is also assigned to the Public Corruption Unit. Judge Walker is a graduate of Tennessee State University and the Barry University School of Law.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to the people of Broward County for placing their trust in me to serve as their next County Court Judge,” Judge Walker said. “Throughout my career as a prosecutor, I have had the privilege of serving this community and seeing firsthand the profound responsibility that comes with our justice system. I look forward to continuing that service from the bench and to treating every person who enters my courtroom with fairness, dignity, and respect.”

She added, “I am especially grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, volunteers, and the many people throughout Broward County who encouraged and supported me along this journey. It will be the honor of my career to serve the community I love.” #17judteam

PACE Center for Girls recently celebrated the graduation of its students, marking an important milestone in their journeys. Judge Kal Evans, a longtime member of the PACE Center for Girls Board, attended the ceremony. He said graduation is always one of his favorite PACE events because it offers an opportunity to see the results of the students’ and staff’s dedication. The ceremony was especially meaningful as a student speaker shared her story of overcoming adversity while pursuing her goals. Congratulations to all the PACE graduates for a job well done!

The 17th Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to announce the investiture of Judge Jeremy I. Franker. The ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. on August 28th in Courtroom 17150. Judge Franker was appointed to the County Court bench on Feb. 25th and elevated to the Circuit Court bench on August 19th. The investiture formally marks Judge Franker’s entrance into judicial office and is an important tradition recognizing service to the court and the community.