Congratulations new lawyer Melissa Hyman! Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips administered the Oath of Attorney today as Melissa’s proud parents looked on. The Nova Southeastern Law School graduate recently learned she passed the July 2026 Florida Bar Exam. She will be specializing in personal injury law. Welcome to the law!
Students from Somerset Academy Village in Wilton Manors toured the courthouse Tuesday, getting a firsthand look at the people and services that make up the justice system.
Their day included a visit to First Appearance Court with Judge Corey B. Friedman, followed by meetings with County Court Judge Melinda Broward and Circuit Court Judge George Odom Jr.
The students also visited the Clothing Closet, where Marie Alvarez Ortiz explained how the service helps people in need obtain appropriate clothing for court. then they met Tayron Lopez, Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Felony Trial Division, who explained the role of public defenders and how they advocate for their clients.
During their visit, they met up with Broward Clerk of Courts Brenda D. Forman, who shared what she does and talked about her own career journey.
It was a day of hands-on learning that helped make the justice system tangible and real for the students.
Circuit Court Judge David J. Arthmann was sworn into office today by Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, just minutes before taking the bench for the first time.
Judge Arthmann was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Aug. 20. He previously served as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee.
A graduate of Nova Southeastern University and the Florida State University College of Law, Judge Arthmann has more than 20 years of experience working for the State of Florida. His career has included service with the Florida Department of Corrections, the Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before joining the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as General Counsel.
Judge Arthmann is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Congratulations and welcome to the 17th Judicial Circuit, Judge Arthmann! We look forward to having you on the bench.
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!
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.
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!
