The Honorable Shari Africk Olefson and the Honorable Elizabeth Scherer received the Honoring Law
Alumni Association Award at the Broward County Judicial Reception. Both Judge Africk Olefson and
Judge Elizabeth Scherer are alumni of the University Of Miami School Of Law.
Congratulations Judge Africk Olefson and Judge Scherer on your award!
The 17th Circuit’s Community Court was highlighted in an article for the FTL Connect blog,
Spring Issue. The article discusses the story of Community Court Participant Frank Ngezelonye
who was able to utilize the services recommended to him to change his life for the better.
To read more about Fort Lauderdale Community Court and its progress, click on the link below:
https://issuu.com/ftlconnect/docs/8031_ftl_connect_mag_spr_2023_8-5x1_bd1f8564997eac
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Explorers Program visited the 17th Judicial Circuit Courthouse on March 21, 2023. The group of visitors included students from grades 9-12, and Crime Analyst Hazel Pravia, Deputy Sheriff Elmer Rivera, Deputy Sheriff Evelyn Gomez, Deputy Sheriff Rashad Danzler, Deputy Sheriff Paola Bello and Sergeant Gloria Crespo.
Students observed the Honorable Michael J. Orlando in his courtroom and participated in a Q&A session where they discussed Judge Orlando’s career and what it takes to become a judge.
The Honorable Lauren M. Alperstein spoke with student interns from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law during a lunch Q&A session. Students were able to discuss their goals and interest in legal studies as Judge Alperstein shared her experiences with her career and path taken to the bench.
The Honorable Michele Tobin Singer is photographed with several students from St. Thomas University College of Law who were preparing for a National Moot Court competition on Saturday, March 18, 2023.
The Honorable Florence Taylor Barner was recognized as the State’s first elected Haitian American Woman Judge at Broward’s Women’s History Month panel sponsored by the TJ Reddick Bar Association.
Retired Judge Mary Rudd Robinson was also recognized for being the first African American woman of the judiciary of Broward County. Several women were honored and also participated as members of a panel where they discussed their experiences and progression in their career paths.
