Three Judges Swear in New Lawyers This Month after Florida Bar Exam Results Are Released

Three judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit Court held swearing in ceremonies in their courtrooms in September after the Florida Supreme Court released the results of Florida Bar Exam administered this past July. Judges Lauren M. Alperstein, Robert F. Diaz and Michele McCaul Ricca each swore in new lawyers while relatives snapped photos and celebrated. Congratulations to all for such a momentous accomplishment. We wish you the best of luck as you start your legal career! 

Judge Ari Abraham Porth Honored with Top Statewide Judicial Award for Judicial Excellence

Congratulations to Judge Ari Abraham Porth, who was chosen to receive the 2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence in recognition of of his “personification of judicial excellence” and “exceptional commitment to the judicial branch.” The coveted annual award is presented to two judges statewide in Florida – one from circuit court and one from county court. Judge Porth is assigned to our Felony Mental Health division. Established in 2015, the award pays tribute to trial court judges whose achievements exceed the normal expectations of the office and considers factors such as strength of character, integrity, knowledge of the law, sound judgment, professional ethics, intellectual courage, compassion, and decisiveness. Amazing and well-deserved recognition! Read our press release HERE.

Two Judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit to Serve on Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission

Big news! Circuit Court Judge Jose Izquierdo and County Court Judge Steven P. DeLuca have both been elected to serve on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC). Judge Izquierdo was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges this week and Judge DeLuca was elected to the position by the Florida Conference of County Judges earlier this summer. The FJQC is an independent agency charged with investigating allegations of judicial misconduct and disability against Florida state judges. The Chair of the Commission selects nine members to serve on the Investigative Panel and six members to serve on the Hearing Panel. Judge DeLuca previously served a six-year term on the FJQC after being elected in 2016. Congratulations to both Judge DeLuca and Judge Izquierdo for this impressive accomplishment!

Facebook
YouTube