Announcements
The Florida Supreme Court’s Justice Barbara J. Pariente has been given the Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award in recognition of her work to uphold the integrity and independence of the state courts. Justice Pariente has spent years advocating for a fair and accountable court system that can enforce the rule of law independent from partisan influence. The awards committee specifically recognized her work as an active and vocal educator about the importance of judicial independence.
The award is given from time to time by the American College of Trial Lawyers when a judge in the United States shows a sustained independence from partisan and other pressures in performing the duties of the judicial office. It is not given every year. Trustee Eugene K. Pettis, a former Florida Bar President, introduced Pariente for the award.
Congratulations on behalf of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit!
The Stephen R. Booher American Inns of Court held its 25th Anniversary Gala last week, to honor the past presidents of the Stephen R. Booher American Inns of Court.
The Stephen R. Booher American Inns of Court is an organization that works to improve professionalism in the legal field and is comprised of judges from Broward County, attorneys who either work in Broward County or reside in Broward County, and law students from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law and St. Thomas University School of Law.
Among the Past Presidents being honored were: Judge Melanie May, Judge Barry Stone, Judge Ronald Rothschild (ret.), Judge Ilona Holmes, Judge Robert Lee, General Magistrate Barry Seltzer, Judge Sharon Zeller, Judge Charles Greene, Judge Martin Bidwill, Judge John Bowman, and Judge Raag Singhal. Also honored were three past presidents who are deceased: Judge Patricia Cocalis, Judge Susan Aramony and Judge Marcia Beach.
Judges Fahnestock, Gamm, Barner, Di Pietro and Benson were panelists at the recent “Brunch and Conversation with Women of the Bench” event, in celebration of Women’s History Month. Lessons in Professionalism, Perseverance and Courage was the topic of the day, and was well-received by all in attendance.
Students from Millennium Collegiate Academy visited the central courthouse last week and got more than they were expecting tour-wise. They visited first appearance court with Judge Mollica, and observed Michael Satz, Broward County State Attorney, give his closing rebuttal in trial, but were pleasantly surprised to run in to local channel 10 news reporter Todd Tongen, too. Mr. Tongen posed for a photo with the group, to the delight of the students and chaperones.
Judge Izquierdo was one of four panelists to participate in Journey to Justice, held at Miami Dade College in February. The panelists, consisting of judges and attorneys, discussed the path that led them to becoming successful legal professionals.
The Jewish Federation of Broward County recently held a judicial reception to honor all the Seventeenth Circuit’s newest judges.
On Wednesday, March 7, 2018, the University of Miami’s Law Alumni Association hosted its annual Broward County Judicial Reception and Judge Sharon Zeller, Misdemeanor and Juvenile Drug Court Judge, was among the night’s award recipients. Judge Zeller, JD Class of ’79, practiced law for 10 years before coming to the Seventeenth Circuit, first as a General Magistrate in 1989 and then as a County Court Judge in 1996. For 22 years, Judge Zeller has presided over civil, criminal, and most recently juvenile and misdemeanor drug court county cases. She was also the County Court Administrative Judge from 2007-2017.
Congratulations on your honor, Judge Zeller!
