Jeopardy! Game Helps Traffic Hearing Officers Brush Up on Changes in the Law

A Jeopardy! style training session for traffic hearing officers set the stage for a lively exchange last week during a 2024 update on civil traffic infraction case law. The host? None other than retiring Judge Robert W. Lee, who has been presenting the program for the past 15 years. Categories included evidence, procedure, penalties, non-moving violations, moving violations and ethics. Judge Lee is retiring in December after 27 years on the bench. Because the training session would be Judge Lee’s last as a sitting judge, he redid the same presentation he created 15 years ago with 25 new questions. Judge Nina W. DiPietro will assume supervision of this education program in 2025. Thank you Judge Lee for your dedication, expertise and years of service. You will be missed.

Judge Ari Abraham Porth Profiled in Daily Business Review

Shout out to Judge Ari Abraham Porth, who was featured in an October 4th article in the Daily Business Review after being named the 2024 recipient of the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence in recognition of his “personification of judicial excellence” and “exceptional commitment to the judicial branch.” Judge Porth, of Parkland, is currently assigned to the 17th Judicial Circuit Felony Mental Health division, where his accomplishments have been instrumental in promoting rehabilitation and recovery for those with mental illness. Judge Porth was also featured an a September 24th article in Parkland Talk. We are so proud of you!

Honing Courthouse & Courtroom Communication Skills

Judge Louis H. Schiff and two judges from neighboring counties recently joined forces to teach an advanced judicial studies course on communications skills for judges. The course, “Improving Your Communications Skills,” offered tips for improving the way judges communicate with their judicial assistants and bailiffs and how they all communicate with everyone else they may encounter at the courthouse. Teaching alongside Judge Schiff were Judge Augustus D. Aikens Jr. from Leon County and Judge David L. Denkin from Sarasota County. The three have served as judges for a combined 76 years of service. All three judges are past presidents of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. An awe-inspiring summation of institutional knowledge.

Lunch with Judge Fosters Understanding

The Broward Bar Association Young Lawyers section recently shared lunch with Judge Daniel J. Kanner at a networking event in his courtroom that morphed into a casual Q&A. Judge Kanner swapped stories with the group, offered insights and listened to accounts of their own courtroom experiences. The aim of Lunch with the Judiciary is to provide an opportunity for young lawyers to get better acquainted with the judges they will eventually encounter in court. A great time was had by all!

Three Judges Swear in New Lawyers This Month after Florida Bar Exam Results Are Released

Three judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit Court held swearing in ceremonies in their courtrooms in September after the Florida Supreme Court released the results of Florida Bar Exam administered this past July. Judges Lauren M. Alperstein, Robert F. Diaz and Michele McCaul Ricca each swore in new lawyers while relatives snapped photos and celebrated. Congratulations to all for such a momentous accomplishment. We wish you the best of luck as you start your legal career! 

First Ever Jeopardy! Challenge Unites Departments in Court Administration

It was game on in Court Administration when about 20 employees from a range of departments faced off during lunch in the first ever Jeopardy! challenge. Court Administrator Joe D’Amico organized the event to promote camaraderie and networking. The slate of contestants aced questions like “This company’s logo is a swoosh” and “Mount Rushmore is located in this state,” undistracted by the Jeopardy! theme song playing in the background. Joe D’Amico warned players that next’s month competition would be tougher, possibly focusing on state capitols. Study up folks. Competition looks to be fierce.

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