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Judges & Magistrates Speak at Day-Long Family Law Conference

The BCBA’s Family Law section sponsored “Raising the Bar Family Law Conference” at Fort Lauderdale’s Tower Club last week and the 17th Judicial Circuit was well-represented. Both our judges and magistrates presented during the day long seminar.

Pictured left to right are Judges Christopher Wigand, Johnathan D. Lott, Jessica M. Marra, Lauren M. Alperstein, Catalina Avalos and Magistrate Hilary Creary. Also in attendance were Judges Kristin R. Kanner, Carlos Rodriguez and Magistrate Lucy Ramos Miller.

by — May 12, 2025 in Announcements
Congratulations on Your Retirement, Fred!

It was a grand sendoff with two gorgeous cakes, a lot of hugs and a bounty of well wishes for Court Administration employee Fred Cariano, who retired on Friday. A state employee for nearly 23 years, Fred worked in Human Resources for 13 years. His smile, his easy-going nature and his collection of ceramic cardinals were his signature, so it was no surprise that he boxed up the cardinals and urged his colleagues to take one as a remembrance. A cardinal is sometimes viewed as a spiritual messenger from a loved one. Best of luck Fred in your next chapter. We will miss you!

by — May 9, 2025 in Announcements
Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., Retires from Military as Major General after 31 years

Circuit Court Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., a two-star general in the U.S. Army, retired from the military this month after 31 years of service. Judge Merrigan oversees a criminal felony division and presides in Veterans Court, which he founded in 2012. He most recently served as commander of the 84th Training Command in Fort Knox, KY, sometimes traveling around the country as many as three weekends a month. We are proud to have you on our team. Thank you for your service. Read our press release HERE.

by — May 8, 2025 in Announcements
Judge Coleman Swears in a New Florida Attorney

Congratulations Catherine DeVilliers, Esq., who was sworn in by Circuit Judge Thomas J. Coleman during a Tuesday induction ceremony after passing the Florida Bar. The daughter of staff attorney Dharma Sierra graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2019, and has been barred in Pennsylvania since 2019. She took the February 2025 Bar exam and passed! Congratulations Catherine!

by — May 6, 2025 in Announcements
NBC Interviews Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips discussed her new role as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Chief Judge in a recent interview with NBC reporter Amanda Plasencia. Judge Phillips was unanimously elected Chief Judge by her fellow judges in February and officially assumed the role on May 1, 2025. Judge Phillips follows Chief Judge Jack Tuter, who retired on May 1st after 20 years on the bench. Judge Phillips is the Circuit’s first female Chief Judge in 34 years. Judge Phillips has served the 17th Judicial Circuit since 2003, when she was appointed by (then) Gov. Jeb Bush to complete the term of Judge James Cohn, who was elevated to the federal bench. Judge Phillips was elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2012, 2018 and 2024. View the NBC piece here: https://www.nbcmiami.com/on-air/as-seen-on/meet-carol-lisa-phillips-broward-countys-first-woman-chief-judge-in-34-years/3605977/

by — May 5, 2025 in Announcements
May is Problem-Solving Courts Month

Florida Problem-Solving Courts Month kicked off on Thursday at the Broward County Courthouse with a standing-room only crowd at a specialized Resource Fair that featured a range of providers who support the important work of these unique courts. Among them? Adult Drug Court, Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, Girls Court and Veterans Court to name a few. Several judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended, including Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Michael Davis, Judge Stacy Ross, Judge Stacey Schulman, Judge Ari Abraham Porth, Judge John D. Fry & Judge Elijah H. Williams. Others appeared by video. Shout out to Russell Edwards, Yolanda Brown, Linda Brooks, Malikh Williams and Trent Baker for organizing this amazing event! #17thjudteam

by — May 2, 2025 in Announcements
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