The Broward County Hispanic Bar Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates Fort Lauderdale held a panel discussion with 17th Judicial Circuit Judges Carol-Lisa Philips and Michele Towbin Singer. As part of the discussion, panelists shared their experiences with their legal careers and participated in a thoughtful and inspirational question and answer session with attendees.

The 17th Circuit was also represented by several judges who attended the event including Judges Olga Levine, Melinda Brown, Fabienne Fahnestock, Jeffrey Levenson, Jackie Powell and Stefanie C. Moon.

Students from Nova Southeastern University’s Psychology and Law Fellowship Programs visited the 17th Circuit with Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren and the mental health court.

Students heard from Judge Lerner-Wren and guest speakers Dr. Suzanne Mignone, Forensic Psychologist, Kathryn Steeves from the Henderson Behavioral Health Center, and Christine Bryan from Henderson Rainbow Villas. Each speaker explained how they participated in the process of the mental health court, and offered advice on ways that students could help future participants of the mental health court program.

Eighth grade students from Classic Conversations of the Broward County area came to visit the 17th Circuit on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. In preparation for their future mock trial, the group of students met with Judges Betsy Benson, Fabienne E. Fahnestock, and Chief Judge Jack Tuter.

During their visit, the students learned about various topics including the United States Judicial System, the jury selection process, and the process of becoming a judge.

Judge Stacey Schulman invited students from Sagemont Preparatory School to visit the 17th Circuit courthouse on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.

Students spoke with Judges Stacey Schulman, Stacy Ross, Jose Izquierdo, Michael G. Kaplan, and Florence Taylor Barner, who shared their perspectives from their legal careers and what their time has been like on the bench.

Judge Elaine A. Carbuccia and Judge Robert F. Diaz joined the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association at the 5th Annual High School Bilingual Conference on Thursday, January 18, 2024. Taking place at Fort Lauderdale High School, students heard directly from legal professionals like Judges Carbuccia and Diaz, who were able to share perspectives and experience from their legal careers.
Focusing on mentorship, bilingualism in the legal field, and mental health amongst students, the conference was conducted in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

The Honorable Stefanie C. Moon served as a judge for American Legion’s annual High School Oratorical Contest on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Two students competed for a chance to move on to the state level of the competition. The Oratorical Contest continues on to a national level, where students have a chance to win a scholarship towards their college education.