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!
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:
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
The Avengers were on trial for wrongful death, negligence and the intentional infliction of emotional distress and both sides were lawyered up. Counsel for both sides hailed from a Fort Lauderdale homeschool group that had honed their skills through the trial advocacy skills program created by a mom who was also a lawyer. Judges Robert F. Diaz and Kenneth A. Gottlieb presided over trials in two courtrooms and both sides presented their cases with finesse. The disability-friendly program included autistic, dyslexic and nonverbal “student “lawyers” who all knocked it out of the park. “They pushed so hard to learn the material and get past their personal struggles,” said program creator Leila Billings, a homeschool teacher and fulltime lawyer. “Growing their confidence and self esteem was the goal of this program.” Amazing program and talented students. So much fun to watch!
A group of students from Franklin Academy visited the courtrooms of Judges Jackie Powell, Catalina Avalos and Carlos S. Rebollo during a recent courthouse tour where they observed in-progress court proceedings. All three judges took time to explain what they do so the students had a better understanding of what actually happens in court. Thank you judges for taking time to educate! @franklincharter #17thjudicialcircuit #LawAndOrder
Students from Pine Ridge Alternative Center got to see the law in action during a visit to the Courthouse where they met with Judge Michael J. Orlando and Judge Robert F. Diaz, who both took time to field questions and explain how the judicial system works.
