Judges Connect with High School Students at Bilingual Conference

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Judges Connect with High School Students at Bilingual Conference

The 17th Judicial Circuit was well represented at the 6th Annual Hispanic Bar Association Bilingual Conference held recently at Fort Lauderdale High School, with Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Jose Izquierdo serving as panelists.

The event was filled with motivational stories, encouraging remarks, and shared dreams for an inclusive and dynamic future. Judges Barner and Izquierdo joined fellow members of our legal community in sharing inspiring personal journeys and unique experiences in the law.

Nearly 200 participants attended, including judges, attorneys, law students, high school students, legal volunteers, teachers, administrators, and county staff.

Thank you to the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit for your continued commitment to community outreach and for your dedication to strengthening connections between the judiciary and the community it serves. #17thJudTeam

by Sallie James — January 30, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Kal Evans Speaks to NSU Law Students

Judge Kal Evans spoke with new law students and their families during the NSU Law Friends & Family Weekend as part of an alumni panel discussion focused on navigating law school, building meaningful connections within the legal community, and avoiding ethical pitfalls.

The event was organized by Annabelle Rosa, the current Student Bar Association President and daughter of Braulio Rosa, Executive Director of the Broward Bar Association. While Braulio did not participate on the panel, he was among the family members in attendance. Community engagement matters!

by Sallie James — January 27, 2026 in Announcements

Statewide Leaders Visit Broward Dependency Drug Court for 2-Day Collaborative Site Visit

On Jan. 21–22, the Broward Dependency Drug Court (DDC) welcomed a two-day site visit from Yonaery “JoJo” Ramos, DDC Statewide Coordinator from the Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA), to observe and support the court’s multidisciplinary team.

The visit was hosted by Hon. Hope Tieman Bristol, DDC & Unified Family Administrative Judge, along with Trent Baker, Beth Plotkin, and Toni Baxter, who presented on Florida’s Best Practice Standards and led meaningful discussions with DDC stakeholders.

Also joining the visit were Early Childhood Court (ECC) Statewide Coordinator Lisa Maddocks and Dr. Kimberly Renk, who guided reflective conversations on strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration and applying a trauma-informed approach when working with court participants and families.

An outstanding two days of learning, collaboration, and shared commitment to better outcomes for children and families. An amazing event, all the way around!

by Sallie James — January 23, 2026 in Announcements

17th Judicial Circuit Court to Hold Investiture of Judge Pascale Achille

The 17th Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to announce the investiture of Circuit Court Judge Pascale Achille. The ceremony will be held at 1:30 p.m. on February 13 in Courtroom 17150. The investiture formally marks Judge Achille’s entrance into judicial office and is an important tradition recognizing service to the court and the community.

by Sallie James — January 22, 2026 in Announcements

Eighth Graders Get a Front-Row Seat to Justice at the Broward County Courthouse

Eighth-grade students from Nativity Catholic School in Hollywood recently visited the Broward County Courthouse for an immersive, hands-on learning experience.

The students toured the courthouse, visited the law library, and observed first-appearance court hearings, where they learned how judges determine bail. They met Circuit Court Judges Lorena V. Mastrarrigo, Ari Abraham Porth, and Elijah H. Williams, along with County Court Judge Corey B. Friedman, who shared insights into their roles on the bench.

Students also heard from two full-time courthouse interpreters and learned what it takes to translate proceedings simultaneously. The students heard presentations by the Broward Sheriff Office Crime Lab’s latent prints expert Mayxis Rodriguez-Pena and ballistics expert William Ruiz Fontane, offering a real-world look at forensic science. Janelle Floyd, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Broward Public Defender’s Office, explained what the Public Defender’s Office does to represent the indigent.

The experience brought students face-to-face with the justice system and the realities of crime, punishment, and public service.

by Sallie James — January 21, 2026 in Announcements

Judiciary Gathers Sunday at Landmark Church to Honor Life and Legacy of MLK Jr.

A dozen judges and magistrates from the 17th Judicial Circuit Court gathered Sunday at the iconic New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale to pay tribute and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The memorial celebration featured inspiring speeches, video tributes, and powerful choral performances by the church’s male chorus. The keynote address was delivered by Lucien Metellus Jr., 37th General President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Representing the 17th Circuit, Judge Michael A. Robinson and Judge Keathan Frink also shared remarks. The event was organized by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Zeta Alpha Lambda Chapter, and was also attended by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Daryl Trawick, President of the BBL Chapter.

by Sallie James — January 19, 2026 in Announcements