Judge James R. Harris Sworn In to the 17th Judicial Circuit

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Judge James R. Harris Sworn In to the 17th Judicial Circuit

It was a morning of celebration in the 17th Judicial Circuit as newly appointed Circuit Court Judge James R. Harris was sworn into office by Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips.

Judge Harris was appointed to the bench on Feb. 25 by Governor Ron DeSantis and will preside in the Circuit’s Family Division. He fills the vacancy created when Judge Jonathan D. Lott was appointed to the Fourth District Court of Appeal on Oct. 30, 2025.

Previously a senior assistant statewide prosecutor with the Office of the Attorney General, Judge Harris served as a legal advisor to the 22nd Statewide Grand Jury and prosecuted complex cases involving RICO, drug trafficking and organized fraud. His work involved close collaboration with Homeland Security, the DEA, FDLE and local law enforcement agencies.

Welcome, Judge Harris. We are fortunate to have you on our team. Read our press release here.

#17thJudTeam

by Sallie James — March 6, 2026 in Announcements

Homeschoolers Get a Close-Up Look at the Law

The Classical Conversations homeschool group spent the morning getting an inside look at how justice works!

Their adventure began in the family courtroom of Judge Marlon J. Weiss, where they peppered the judge with questions about the kind of cases his court handles. Then they headed to first appearance court where they met Judge Corey B. Friedman and learned what transpires during an arraignment. Next, they, peeked inside the juvenile courtrooms of Judges Michael J. Orlando and Carlos S. Rebollo, discovering what happens when youth get in trouble with the law.

The group subsequently headed to the Lamar Warren Law Library where they met digital court reporter Joel Slotnick and Chief Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez, who discussed their roles in the judicial system. The students got a great snapshot of what really happens behind the scenes in court.

To top it off, they rode the elevator to the courthouse’s 20th floor and caught an unobstructed view of the ocean — a memorable finish to a morning of learning!

#CourthouseTour #CivicEducation #FutureLeaders

by Sallie James — March 5, 2026 in Announcements

17th Judicial Circuit Launches New Family Court Services Program

A new Family Court Services (FCS) program designed to connect individuals involved in high-conflict family litigation with appropriate therapeutic resources has served more than 50 families since its launch in January. The county-funded program also provides case tracking to ensure compliance with court orders. Judge Lauren M. Alperstein was instrumental in developing the program, which was created to improve conflict resolution and provide support services to families with particular sensitivity to the needs of children.

A kickoff event is planned for noon on March 20th in Courtroom #WW9165.

Meet the Family Court Services team, pictured left to right: Diane St. Amand-Scott, Family Court Services Manager; Guilia D’Agostino, Administrative Assistant; Andres Gironza, Judicial Support Investigator; and Ahnia Smith, Judicial Navigator.

by Sallie James — March 3, 2026 in Announcements

A Walk Along the River

Eighteen Court Administration employees stepped away from their desks this week for a 15-minute group walk along the river as part of a health and wellness initiative designed to “get to know your neighbor” while promoting both mental and physical well-being.

The idea, developed by the Health and Wellness Committee, encourages employees to get out of their chairs and get moving. The Riverwalk stroll also complements Court Administration’s ongoing step challenge.

With beautiful weather and great company, a great time was had by all. Join us next time!

by Sallie James — February 26, 2026 in Announcements

A Visit to Court Gives Students a New Perspective on Justice

Students from Charles W. Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines got an inside look at how the justice system works during a recent courthouse tour. Their visit began in first appearance court, where they observed proceedings in Judge Corey B. Friedman’s courtroom.

The students then headed to the north wing to watch arraignments before Judge Lorena V. Mastrarrigo. After court concluded, Judge Mastrarrigo spent time speaking with the students about the law and the importance of choosing friends wisely. Several students even had the chance to try on her black judicial robe and sit on the bench to experience what it feels like to be a judge.

The tour also included meeting Harold F. Pryor, Broward State Attorney; a presentation by forensic scientist Jaylin Hernandez from the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab; and a conversation with Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Broward Public Defender’s Office.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this courthouse tour such a meaningful and impactful experience for these students!

by Sallie James — February 25, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Lauren M. Alperstein Named 2026 Chief Judge Award for Excellence Recipient

Congratulations to Judge Lauren M. Alperstein, who has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Chief Judge Award for Excellence in recognition of her dedication, leadership, innovation, and ongoing commitment to strengthening the 17th Judicial Circuit.

“You exemplify the very spirit of this award through your unwavering dedication to the administration of justice, visionary leadership on the Unified Family Court bench and your meaningful contributions to the families and communities of Broward County,” Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips wrote in a letter announcing the award. “As Chair of the Unified Family Division, Judge Alperstein, you are an extraordinary advocate for both the family bench and the families the courts serve.”

One of the most recent examples of Judge Alperstein’s visionary leadership is the Circuit’s new Family Court Services program, which ensures comprehensive support for families navigating the court system and facilitates access to services that foster stability, safety, and resolution. Judge Alperstein also consistently keeps the family bench informed of legal developments and best practices through updates on changes in the law, emerging issues and best practices.

“You have cultivated a bench that is aligned in purpose, consistent in procedure and committed to excellence,” Judge Phillips wrote. “Thank you for your innovation, dedication and exceptional services to the Unified Family Court and community. Judge Lauren Alperstein, you are profoundly deserving of the 17th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Award for Excellence.”

#rockstar

by Sallie James — February 19, 2026 in Announcements