Students of Pompano Beach Middle School’s Law Class visited the 17th Judicial Courthouse on Thursday,
March 9, 2023. Students met with the Honorable Peter Holden in his courtroom where they observed
court proceedings and participated in a Q&A session with him.

Students then met with the Mediation and Arbitration team where Alternative Dispute Resolution
Director Brittany Simpson Joseph, Staff Mediator Marian Mirchandani, and Mediation Services
Coordinator Lucy Catena discussed the mediation process with them, and engaged students in an
interactive scenario where students learned about the importance of mediation.

Assistant State Attorney Jamal Marshall followed the mediation team by discussing his role with the
students and how he came about a career in law and criminal justice.

Congratulations to Supervising Trial Court Staff Attorney Michael Oback who received the first annual James E. Lowry, III Award for Staff Attorney Excellence. The award was presented by Trial Court Administrator Joseph D’Amico, Esq.

The award was created in dedication to the late James (Jim) E. Lowry, III and recognizes one Staff Attorney who demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment in assisting the judiciary to their position.

The Honorable Fabienne E. Fahnestock and the Honorable Keathan B. Frink lead a three day course on Circuit Civil Court at the Florida Judicial College Phase II.

Both shared the role of teacher to new judges as they reviewed procedures, detailed examples and tactics of how to navigate through the Civil Circuit Court process.

On March 2, 2023, the Honorable Jackie Powell joined the 4th graders at Winston Park Elementary for their Soaring into Excellence Through College program and Career Day. Judge Powell discussed different levels of the American Judicial System and what it takes to become an attorney.

The students from Fort Lauderdale High School came to visit the 17th Judicial Circuit Courthouse where they learned more about the judicial system in the United States and had the chance to witness the judicial process in real time.

Students met with Staff Attorney Dharma Sierra who spoke to students about her role in the courthouse and the importance of being a great help to the judges. Students then spoke with Chief Judge Jack Tuter who answered questions and shared his experience as a judge with the 17th Circuit.

Later students had the opportunity to visit with the Honorable Catalina Avalos who took time in between hearings to speak with the students about a career in law.

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Misdemeanor Drug Court Program was highlighted in the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals’ February 2023 newsletter.

Chief Judge Jack Tuter was praised for his leadership in maintaining the Drug Court Program at the 17th Circuit. The Honorable Kenneth A. Gottlieb was also acknowledged for his leadership with the Drug Court Program and contributed to this edition of the newsletter with a brief article detailing what the program is able to do for individuals who have issues with substance abuse.

For more information about the MDCP and other information from the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals, click on the link below:

https://www.17th.flcourts.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FDCA-Newsletter-Feature.pdf