It’s that wonderful time of year again when judges and members of the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) ring in the holidays with their traditional ugly-sweater photo! As always, the mix of clashing colors, bold patterns, and over-the-top festive flair made for a delightfully eye-popping sight. Happy holidays from the 17th Judicial Circuit! (Many thanks to BCBA Executive Director Braulio Rosa for arranging this memorable event)
We have a new judge! The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.
Judge Achille has worked as an assistant state attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Welcome aboard! We are so happy you are on our team! Read our press release HERE.
More than 30 supervisors from Court Administration took part this week in a full day of leadership training designed to strengthen essential supervisory skills. The program covered a wide range of topics, including team building, accountability, collaboration, coaching, mentoring, providing effective feedback, and navigating difficult conversations.
The session was led by Jennifer Currence, senior partner with HR Soul Consulting, and was titled “Leading with Influence & Impact: Essential Skills for Modern Leaders.”
Training like this is essential for developing effective, relatable leaders. Thank you to Court Administration for proactively supporting the leaders of tomorrow.
Students from Millennium 6-12 and Challenger Elementary spent an inspiring day at the Broward County Courthouse, diving into firsthand lessons about the justice system. The students participate in the 5000 Role Models mentoring program.
Their visit began in Judge Florence Taylor Barner’s courtroom, where they asked thoughtful questions about her work on the bench. They then visited Judge Elijah H. Williams in juvenile court to better understand what it means to be a youth in custody. They asked Judge Williams even more great questions.
The group continued to the Lamar Warren Law Library, where they met with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, learned about ballistics from a BSO Crime Lab scientist, and the role of a public defender from Community Outreach Coordinator Janelle Floyd.
The students were curious, engaged, and full of questions. They walked away with real-world insight into how the justice system works. Many thanks to all the public servants in the courthouse whose time and dedication made this tour so meaningful.
It’s that special time of year! Judge Mindy Brown’s annual “Thank You” luncheon for courthouse employees kicked off in style on Friday with carolers, cookies, and plenty of delicious food.
For the 15th year, Judge Brown stood at the head of the serving line, dishing up meatballs, macaroni, salad, and sweets to hundreds of courthouse employees. Thanks to her holiday tradition, more than 250 people enjoyed a festive lunch.
Judges Jill K. Levy and John D. Fry also rolled up their sleeves to help serve, joining a dedicated group of volunteers who worked hard to make the celebration shine. The afternoon was filled with hugs, smiles, and heartfelt appreciation.
“It’s my way of saying ‘thank you’ to everyone here,” Judge Brown shared, noting that the event celebrates the teamwork that keeps the courthouse running.
Thank YOU, Judge Brown, for your generosity and kindness. Happy holidays to all.
National Adoption Day at the Broward County Courthouse on Nov. 22 was filled with tears of joy, megawatt smiles, and plenty of laughter. Judges Jose Izquierdo, Yael Gamm, John B. Bowman and Stacy Schulman finalized 16 adoptions, creating forever homes for these wonderful children. Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips was also on hand to lead the opening ceremony and offer congratulations to all the families who opened their hearts to adoption.
The celebration was full of fun — face painting, games, a robotic photo booth, food, cake, candy, balloons, and gifts. One attendee called it “the best day ever in the courthouse,” and by all accounts it truly was.
Congratulations to the children and their new families! #foreverfamily
