The 17th Judicial Circuit Welcomes Johnathan D. Lott to the Bench

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The 17th Judicial Circuit Welcomes Johnathan D. Lott to the Bench

The 17th Judicial Circuit is pleased to welcome Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnathan D. Lott as its newest judge. Judge Lott will fill the vacancy left by Circuit Judge John Murphy III, who resigned on August 1st after 20 years on the bench. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Lott to the vacancy on Nov. 25th. Judge Lott will take over Judge Francis Viamontes’ division in family court and Judge Viamontes will move to a felony criminal division. Judge Lott will begin his service on Jan. 1, 2025. Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — December 3, 2024 in Announcements

Judges Share Insights & Advice with Students During Courthouse Tour

A group of students enrolled in the Community Reconstruction Inc. (CRI) D.A.Y program met judges in three different courtrooms, asked questions and observed justice in progress during a recent courthouse tour. CRI creates opportunities for youth to transform their own lives by fostering behavioral changes that promote personal responsibility, healthy relationships, and positive contributions to society. The students met with Judges Elijah H. Williams, Ari Abraham Porth and Yael Gamm. Plenty of great questions made the day interesting!

by Sallie James — December 2, 2024 in Announcements

Honoring a Fellow Judge, Friend and Public Servant

Retiring Broward County Court Judge Louis H. Schiff recently spoke before a standing-room-only crowd at the retirement ceremony of longtime friend and colleague Leon County Court Judge Augustus “Gus” D. Aikens, Jr., in Tallahassee. It was a bittersweet moment: both have served as President of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida and both have been co-teaching Florida judges for more than 20 years. Judge Aiken is retiring this year after 27 years of service and Judge Schiff is retiring in December after 28 years on the bench. Judge Schiff, along with Broward Judges Chris and Mindy Brown, were on hand as the Leon County Courthouse was renamed after Judge Aiken. An amazing legacy. Thank you all for your years of service!

by Sallie James — November 27, 2024 in Announcements

Judicial Assistants Mingle and Mix at BCBA

A group of our judicial assistants recently attended a meet and greet sponsored by the Broward County Bar Association’s Paralegal Section where both groups shared appreciation for each other and the work that is done by all. The collaboration and camaraderie makes everyone’s job easier!

by Sallie James — November 26, 2024 in Admin Orders

National Adoption Day at the Courthouse!

National Adoption Day in Broward County was a day of celebration – new families, lots of friends & relatives and plenty of fun. Judge John B. Bowman chaired the event, with support from dependency judges Hope Tieman Bristol, Alberto Ribas Jr., Stacey Schulman, Yael Gamm & Jose Izquierdo. Thank you for all you do! Judge Bowman authored an op ed on National Adoption Day that appeared in the Sun Sentinel. Read the op Ed HERE:

by Sallie James — November 25, 2024 in Announcements

UM Wins Mock Trial Competition!

University of Miami Law School was the winner in a recent mock trial competition at the Broward County Courthouse. Competing were student “lawyers” from nine law schools: UF, FSU, Stetson, Barry, Nova, UM, St. Thomas, FIU, one out-of-state law school – William & Mary. The final rounds were (P) UM vs Barry (D) with Plaintiff’s jury verdict in favor of UM with Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips presiding. Many thanks to all who made this incredible event possible! @miamilawschool @florida_justice #17thjudicialcircuit

by Sallie James — November 21, 2024 in Announcements