Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the Black Judiciary of the 17th Judicial Circuit

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Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the Black Judiciary of the 17th Judicial Circuit

Judges and magistrates from the 17th Judicial Circuit—joined by a large contingent of attorneys and community partners—came together to celebrate the Circuit’s Black judiciary during a Black History Month event on Feb. 5th at Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law in Davie.

The program featured powerful remarks from Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Florida Bar President Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes, and Broward Bar Association Executive Director Braulio Rosa. The celebration concluded on a high note with a spirited round of Judicial Jeopardy, as judges competed for top honors and bragging rights.

The event highlighted the profound contributions of our Black judges and the strength, leadership, and perspective they bring to our judiciary.

by Sallie James — February 6, 2026 in Announcements

International Delegation Explores Anti-Trafficking Efforts

Fourteen delegates representing eight African nations visited the courtroom of Judge Stacy Ross this week to learn how our courts—along with key service providers—are working to combat human trafficking. Several members of the delegation brought professional backgrounds in law enforcement and the legal field.

The visitors from Global Ties International hailed from Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ghana, Guinea, and Senegal. Their U.S. tour also included stops in Orlando, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and El Paso, as they gathered insight into how court systems across the country address the complex issue of human trafficking.

The exchange was a fascinating and meaningful experience for both our judiciary and the visiting delegates, offering an opportunity to share perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and learn from one another.

by Sallie James — February 6, 2026 in Announcements

Inside the Courthouse …

Students from South Plantation High School got an up-close look at justice in action this week during a courthouse tour that included Judge Corey B. Friedman’s first appearance court and the juvenile courts of Judges Elijah H. Williams and Michael J. Orlando.

Members of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence mentoring program also had the opportunity to meet Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, Broward Public Defender’s Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle Floyd, and Sanissa Macko, a DNA analyst with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

Together, these experiences gave students a well-rounded understanding of the many essential roles played by judges, attorneys, assistant state attorneys, assistant public defenders, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and the support professionals who help the justice system function every day.

by Sallie James — February 5, 2026 in Announcements

Judges Connect with High School Students at Bilingual Conference

The 17th Judicial Circuit was well represented at the 6th Annual Hispanic Bar Association Bilingual Conference held recently at Fort Lauderdale High School, with Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Jose Izquierdo serving as panelists.

The event was filled with motivational stories, encouraging remarks, and shared dreams for an inclusive and dynamic future. Judges Barner and Izquierdo joined fellow members of our legal community in sharing inspiring personal journeys and unique experiences in the law.

Nearly 200 participants attended, including judges, attorneys, law students, high school students, legal volunteers, teachers, administrators, and county staff.

Thank you to the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit for your continued commitment to community outreach and for your dedication to strengthening connections between the judiciary and the community it serves. #17thJudTeam

by Sallie James — January 30, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Kal Evans Speaks to NSU Law Students

Judge Kal Evans spoke with new law students and their families during the NSU Law Friends & Family Weekend as part of an alumni panel discussion focused on navigating law school, building meaningful connections within the legal community, and avoiding ethical pitfalls.

The event was organized by Annabelle Rosa, the current Student Bar Association President and daughter of Braulio Rosa, Executive Director of the Broward Bar Association. While Braulio did not participate on the panel, he was among the family members in attendance. Community engagement matters!

by Sallie James — January 27, 2026 in Announcements

Statewide Leaders Visit Broward Dependency Drug Court for 2-Day Collaborative Site Visit

On Jan. 21–22, the Broward Dependency Drug Court (DDC) welcomed a two-day site visit from Yonaery “JoJo” Ramos, DDC Statewide Coordinator from the Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA), to observe and support the court’s multidisciplinary team.

The visit was hosted by Hon. Hope Tieman Bristol, DDC & Unified Family Administrative Judge, along with Trent Baker, Beth Plotkin, and Toni Baxter, who presented on Florida’s Best Practice Standards and led meaningful discussions with DDC stakeholders.

Also joining the visit were Early Childhood Court (ECC) Statewide Coordinator Lisa Maddocks and Dr. Kimberly Renk, who guided reflective conversations on strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and applying a trauma-informed approach when working with court participants and families.

An outstanding two days of learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to better outcomes for children and families. An amazing event, all the way around!

by Sallie James — January 23, 2026 in Announcements