Announcements
Congratulations to Judges Jeffrey R. Levenson and Kenneth L. Gillespie, who were honored on June 21st at the Broward County Bar Association’s 2025 Gala. Judge Levenson received the Stephen A. Booher Award in recognition of his humanity, integrity and dedication to the Bench, Bar and community. Judge Kenneth L. Gillespie received the Executive Director’s Award in acknowledgement of his outstanding commitment, loyalty and service to the Bar and legal community. The 17th Judicial Circuit is extremely proud! Read our press release HERE.
The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the Florida Panthers second Stanley Cup win in a colorful show of support for this amazing team! Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico encouraged employees to celebrate the team’s huge victory by donning Panthers merch. And they did not disappoint! Among the fans? Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Nina W. DiPietro. Go Panthers!
One of the most important Constitutional rights we have as Americans is the right to a trial by jury—but that right only exists if people like YOU step up and serve.
When you’re called for jury duty, you’re not just answering a summons—you’re answering a call to civic responsibility.
✅ Jurors are randomly selected from the Florida Driver Licenses Database.
✅ You must be 18+ and a resident of Broward County.
✅ You only serve once per calendar year.
✅ Selection happens through a fair process called voir dire.
⚖️ Your voice matters. Your service counts.
Ignoring your Jury Summons could result in a $100 fine or Contempt of Court—but more importantly, it means missing your chance to help justice be served.
The 17th Circuit was proud to be part of the June 12th, 2025 Homeless Community Symposium in Hollywood.
Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared insights from Community Court—where low-level offenses are met with solutions like treatment and service, not jail.
Also representing the circuit was Judge Corey A. Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Pompano Beach Community Court, was unable to attend. More than 100 attendees and service providers attended the event, focused on supporting the homeless population with dignity and care.
A powerful event highlighting real justice, rooted in care. #CommunityCourt #JusticeWithDignity #17thCircuit
When you tour the courthouse you never know who you will meet! A Girl Scout troop on a recent tour got an impromptu lesson in civics from Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez. They also met Judge Ari Abraham Porth in felony mental health and Judge Michael J. Orlando in Delinquency. A highlight of the visit? A visit inside a prisoner holding cell, which shined a light on the lack of privacy inmates experience. What a great way to learn. Thank you all for making this such a great experience!
Broward Circuit Judge Elijah H. Williams, delinquency chair for the 17th Judicial Circuit, taught at the 2024–25 Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy, held May 16–17 at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. The two-day academy focused on “The Power of Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Finding Your Tribe,” and included building communication skills, promoting civility in the legal profession, understanding professionalism and disciplinary rules, and enhancing emotional intelligence.
Representatives from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended the RISE25 Conference, held May 28–31 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
This national event brought together professionals from Juvenile, Dependency, and Adult Drug Courts, as well as Mental Health and Veterans Courts, to share ideas and best practices. Attendees from our Circuit included a judge, attorneys, program managers, coordinators, case managers, peer specialists, and representatives from ChildNet. The conference—recognized as the leading event on substance use, mental health, and justice innovation—offered powerful opportunities for learning, connection, and recommitment to building healthier, safer communities.
The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) welcomed Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips to her new position with a monogrammed hangar and drinking cup. Judge Phillips took over as Chief Judge on May 1st, in the wake of Chief Judge Jack Tuter’s retirement after nearly 20 years on the bench, eight as Chief Judge. On hand to present the swag were three of the ABOTA’s heavy hitters: Jordan Kirby, ABOTA membership chair; Braulio Rosa, ABOTA executive director; and Miles McGrane IV, ABOTA’s president-elect (pictured left to right). And of course, Judge Phillips. Thank you ABOTA for the warm welcome!
Congratulations to Judge Lauren M. Alperstein on being honored with the prestigious Tzedek Award! This accolade is a testament to Judge Alperstein’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness. The Tzedek Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality, making this recognition both significant and well-deserved. Judge Alperstein’s contributions to the legal community and their impact on society are commendable, inspiring others to pursue justice with integrity and compassion. The Jewish Bar Association of Broward County & Broward Bar Association honored Judge Alperstein with the Tzedek Award on May 29, 2025 in observance of Jewish American Heritage Month. Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement! (pictured with her father Gary Marks, Esq.)
Community Court is all about celebrating success stories! Meet County Court Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Community Court in Pompano Beach, one of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s three courts created to assist the unhoused. Judge Benson addresses low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations that range from trespass and unlawful lodging, to park after hours and petty theft. Innovative solutions include community service hours, mental health treatment or substance abuse treatment in lieu of incarceration. Recent participants ranged in age from their mid-20s to older than age 65. However, criminal charges aren’t necessary to access the social services on hand. Helping to identify the root causes of homelessness to facilitate better outcomes is what the Community Court initiative is all about. Community Courts also operate in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Pompano Beach Community Court is held at the Annie L. Weaver Health Center, at 2011 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach.
