“Bikers Against Trafficking” Discusses Trauma for Problem-Solving Courts Month

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“Bikers Against Trafficking” Discusses Trauma for Problem-Solving Courts Month

The founders of “Bikers Against Trafficking” visited the 17th Judicial Circuit this week to discuss the long-term effects of human trafficking, point out often-missed red flags and explain what can be done to help. Patrick “Doc” Nave and his wife Diena “Rainey” were both trafficked as children, meeting years later in treatment. Determined to shine a light on human trafficking and help eradicate this horrific practice, the couple founded the nonprofit BAT in January 2016. Their goal: to restore hope and healing to those who have been trafficked. Doc has a Doctoral degree in therapy, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Masters Certified Addiction Counselor and is a Diplomate in Trauma Counseling. Rainey is the Business Manager and Trauma Counselor at Sojourners Recovery & Wellness Center AND Family4Today and an addiction counselor. Amazing event to highlight Problem-Solving Courts Month! Visit BIKERSAGAINSTRAFFICKING.ORG to learn more.

by Sallie James — May 16, 2025 in Court Updates

Judges & Magistrates Speak at Day-Long Family Law Conference

The BCBA’s Family Law section sponsored “Raising the Bar Family Law Conference” at Fort Lauderdale’s Tower Club last week and the 17th Judicial Circuit was well-represented. Both our judges and magistrates presented during the day long seminar.

Pictured left to right are Judges Christopher Wigand, Johnathan D. Lott, Jessica M. Marra, Lauren M. Alperstein, Catalina Avalos and Magistrate Hilary Creary. Also in attendance were Judges Kristin R. Kanner, Carlos Rodriguez and Magistrate Lucy Ramos Miller.

by Sallie James — May 12, 2025 in Announcements

Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., Retires from Military as Major General after 31 years

Circuit Court Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Jr., a two-star general in the U.S. Army, retired from the military this month after 31 years of service. Judge Merrigan oversees a criminal felony division and presides in Veterans Court, which he founded in 2012. He most recently served as commander of the 84th Training Command in Fort Knox, KY, sometimes traveling around the country as many as three weekends a month. We are proud to have you on our team. Thank you for your service. Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — May 8, 2025 in Announcements

Judge Coleman Swears in a New Florida Attorney

Congratulations Catherine DeVilliers, Esq., who was sworn in by Circuit Judge Thomas J. Coleman during a Tuesday induction ceremony after passing the Florida Bar. The daughter of staff attorney Dharma Sierra graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2019, and has been barred in Pennsylvania since 2019. She took the February 2025 Bar exam and passed! Congratulations Catherine!

by Sallie James — May 6, 2025 in Announcements

May is Problem-Solving Courts Month

Florida Problem-Solving Courts Month kicked off on Thursday at the Broward County Courthouse with a standing-room only crowd at a specialized Resource Fair that featured a range of providers who support the important work of these unique courts. Among them? Adult Drug Court, Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, Girls Court and Veterans Court to name a few. Several judges from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended, including Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Judge Michael Davis, Judge Stacy Ross, Judge Stacey Schulman, Judge Ari Abraham Porth, Judge John D. Fry & Judge Elijah H. Williams. Others appeared by video. Shout out to Russell Edwards, Yolanda Brown, Linda Brooks, Malikh Williams and Trent Baker for organizing this amazing event! #17thjudteam

by Sallie James — May 2, 2025 in Announcements

Family Law Judge Shares Expertise on AAML Panel

Shout out to Judge Lauren M. Alperstein, Chair of our Domestic Relations Division, who recently traveled to Tampa, FL to attend the 47th Annual Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) Institute at the JW Marriott. The program focus? Evidentiary Issues from a Judicial Perspective. Judge Alperstein spoke on judicial panels with judges and magistrates from across Florida about evidentiary issues that frequently occur in family court that include records custodians, judicial notice, hearsay exceptions, DCF reports and child hearsay to matrimonial lawyers. Pictured left to right are General Magistrate Philip S. Wartenberg from the 13th Judicial Circuit, Judge Alperstein from the 17th Judicial Circuit, Judge John Guy from the 4th Judicial Circuit, Dori Foster Morales, of Foster-Morales, PLLC, the former president of the Florida Bar; and Joe Hunt, of Harris, Hunt, and Derr, the incoming President of the Florida Chapter of the AAML.

by Sallie James — April 30, 2025 in Announcements