17th Circuit applauds Major General Edward H. Merrigan on being conferred a second star by the United States Senate on September 29th, 2022.
Major General Merrigan has many academic accolades including a Juris Doctorate from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Major General Merrigan’s military achievements include his role as the Battalion Executive Officer of the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (FID/UW). He would deploy to Iraq in this role to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Major General Merrigan also received several medals including the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Major General Merrigan has been a circuit court judge in Fort Lauderdale, FL since 2009. He continues to preside over a felony criminal trial division. Adding to his many accomplishments, Major General is also the founder of the Broward County Veterans Court.
The 17th Judicial Circuit supports Major General Merrigan in all of his efforts and is proud of his continued military success while continuing to serve the public through his judicial service.
Congratulations Major General Merrigan, we salute you!

Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren makes the 17th Circuit proud as the moderator of a webinar titled “Addressing Mental Health and Well-Being of Judges and Court Employees” in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2022. Judge Lerner-Wren was moderating on behalf of the International Women Judges Association. Panelists included judges from Canada, Kenya, The Philippines, and the U.K.
Judge Lerner-Wren states that “This is a great honor for the 17th Judicial Circuit in promotion of Mental Health!”
Congratulations Judge Lerner-Wren on your great example of leadership!

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrates Mediation Week 2022. Mediation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that cases keep moving and litigants maintain the right to self-determination. Mediators help litigants navigate difficult conversations and issues when many are uncertain of their future.

The Court Mediation and Arbitration Program continues to ensure access to consistent and quality mediation services to those who otherwise could not afford such services. The program continues to adapt to the evolving mediation field and continues to expand programs with updated services to comply with the Florida Supreme Court.

Congratulations to all mediators serving the 17th Judicial Circuit, including the Court Mediation and Arbitration Program Staff, contractors, volunteers and privately assigned mediators and arbitrators! Thank you for all that you do!

Judges Catalina Avalos, Judge Frank Ledee and Judge Carol-Lisa Philipps were among several judges who participated with the Broward County Bar Association’s donation drive as part of efforts to provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Ian.

Items being donated include canned goods, cereals, clothing, bottled water, board games, toiletries and more. With everyone’s help, the group was able to fill a 20 foot truck which was personally driven to the Salvation Army in Fort Myers.

Other Judges who assisted with efforts but who are not featured in the photo include Judge Giuseppina Miranda, Judge Natasha DePrimo, Judge Nina DiPietro and Judge Mardi Levy Cohen.

All Broward County Courts will be closed on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in observance of Yom Kippur.

The courts will re-open on Thursday, October 6th, following regular schedules.

The 17th Judicial Circuit collaborated with the Broward County Women Lawyer’s Association and Broward School District to host the Informed Voters Fair Judges program for the students of Whiddon Rogers Middle School and Sheridan Technical High School on Friday, September 30th 2022.

Chief Judge Jack Tuter introduced the event and shared the floor with Attorney Madeleine Q. Mannello who opened the event with an informative presentation about the judicial system in the United States.

Students had the opportunity to participate in educational activities including Judicial Jeopardy and Bingo led by Chief Judge Jack Tuter, Judge Mardi Levy Cohen, Judge Andrew Siegel, Judge Catalina Avalos, Judge Andrea Ruth Gunderson, Judge Jose Izquierdo, Judge Michael Robinson, Judge Hope Tieman Bristol and Judge Keathan Frink.