Judge Renee Goldenberg was presented with the Florida Association of Women Lawyers 2016 Jurist of the Year Award at a reception on June 16, 2016, during the Florida Bar’s annual convention in Orlando, FL. Established in 2015, Judge Goldenberg is the first member of the judiciary to receive this honor that recognizes jurists who have consistently, fearlessly, and partially promoted the rule of law respecting the equal rights of all who come before him or her.

Judge Goldenberg is the chairperson of the 17^th Circuit’s Unified Family Law division.

Congratulations Judge Goldenberg! 

In recognition of his “ability to recognize patterns of behavior and his understanding of how best to structure his courtroom to manage communications with individuals who have mental health issues…” Family Judge Nicholas Lopane was recently honored with a 2016 EPIC Award, sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida. Exceptional People Impacting the Community (EPIC) honorees are chosen by the organization each year for their advocacy in mental health and its impact on the community. At the awards ceremony in May, Judge Lopane was cited as being “a great advocate for families who are struggling with the emotional stress and conflict of separation or divorce as well as the mental health issues which figure prominently during this traumatic transition.”

Congratulations Judge Lopane!

Michael Davis was sworn in as Broward’s newest county court judge on Monday, June 6, 2016. Judge Davis took the oath with Chief Judge Peter M. Weinstein presiding over the ceremony. 

Born in south Florida, Judge Davis received his law degree at Hofstra University and went on to practice law in New York before coming to work for Florida’s Department of Children and Families in 2010. He has also worked with the Florida Guardian ad Litem program and most recently for the attorney general’s office. 

In his new role, Judge Davis is assigned to preside over First Appearance Magistrate court. 

Congratulations and welcome to the 17th Circuit family! 

The 17th Judicial Circuit announces the appointment of two new judges to the bench today, Monday, May 23, 2016. Governor Rick Scott appointed attorney Jose Izquierdo to the Circuit bench, and attorney Michael Davis to the County Court bench. 

Congratulations to both, and welcome to the 17th Circuit family!