Retiring Judge Inspires Young Lawyers with Conversation and Questions

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Retiring Judge Inspires Young Lawyers with Conversation and Questions

Retiring Judge Robert F. Diaz turned the tables on the Young Lawyers section of the Broward County Bar Association during a recent “Lunch with the Judiciary”: instead of taking the spotlight himself, he asked the attendees to do most of the talking. Judge Diaz has taught law at Nova Southeastern University for decades and it was very clear he knew just how to get people to open up. Each person had to explain why they become a lawyer, describe the oddest job was they had ever worked, tell where they went to law school and share their long-term goal. Judge Diaz captivated the group with his wit, humor, sincerity and institutional knowledge. He is retiring in December after 32 years on the bench. You will be missed!

by Sallie James — October 31, 2024 in Announcements

New Attorney Orientation Provided Unique Chance to Network with Judiciary

New attorneys recently got a chance to meet and greet a roomful of judges during a recent New Attorney Orientation organized by the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA). At least 10 judges convened in Chief Judge Jack Tuter’s courtroom for the event, where several judges spoke about their unique roles and the related challenges. The informative event offered the new lawyers a chance to network with our judges outside of formal court proceedings. Thank you BCBA for planning this great event!

by Sallie James — October 30, 2024 in Announcements

Courtrooms Become Classrooms During Student Courthouse Tour

About 15 Posnack High School students got a firsthand look at the law in progress during a recent courthouse tour that took them into two judges’ courtrooms and included a Q&A session with our courtroom interpreters. The students spent time on the bench with Judge Ari Abraham Porth in felony Mental Health, learned the ins and outs of courtroom interpreting, then visited Judge Lauren M. Alperstein’s courtroom, where they learned about Family law and the types of cases she handles on a daily basis. Then they ate lunch with Judge Stacey Schulman in her courtroom. Thank you everyone for making this such a great day!

by Sallie James — October 28, 2024 in Announcements

Judges “Read for the Record” at Local Elementary Schools

Several judges spent a recent morning at elementary schools across Broward County reading books to students as part of Broward’s “Read for the Record” program. Retiring Judge Robert F. Diaz read to children at Croissant Park Elementary in Fort Lauderdale; Judge Lauren M. Alperstein was a designated reader at Embassy Creek Elementary in Hollywood; Judge Stacey Schulman read to students at Cooper City Elementary; and Judge Ari Abraham Porth was at North Fork Elementary in Fort Lauderdale. Community involvement matters!

by Sallie James — October 25, 2024 in Announcements

Administering the Oath of Attorney to a Former Student

Judge Elaine A. Carbuccia recently administered the Oath of Attorney to new lawyer Anabelle Cubeñas, a special occasion because Anabelle was one of her first students at St. Thomas University, College of Law. Judge Carbuccia is a law professor at St. Thomas for the Legal Writing Department – Anabelle was one of her Appellate Advocacy students. Congratulations!

by Sallie James — October 24, 2024 in Announcements

Court Administration Employees Face Off in Step Challenge

A monthly step challenge created to promote health, wellness and camaraderie among Court Administration employees brought out the spirit of competition. First place winner Greissy Amorocho, an Accountant II, took top honors with an astounding 327,473 steps. How did she do it? A hiking trip to Machu Piccu in Peru may have tipped the scales. Greissy is also an avid beach walker. Civil Case Manager Michelle Mestas earned second place with 174,487 steps for the month. Her secret? Chasing two little kids after work. Digital Court Reporter Joel Slotnick snagged third place with 121,898 steps. Joel’s walking destinations included Publix, the New River and the south parking garage. Keep counting – it’s almost time to tally steps for another month. Congratulations all for the great work.

by Sallie James — October 22, 2024 in Announcements