Congratulations to the 17th Judicial Circuit’s newest Magistrate Hilary A. Creary, who was sworn in today by Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Magistrate Creary is the Circuit’s second Magistrate of Jamaican descent. The other is Magistrate Stephanie Matalon, who took the bench in January 2020. Magistrate Creary includes time as a former legal Aid attorney. She was sworn in today before a crowd of family, friends and well-wishers. Delighted to have you on board! #17thjudteam

The Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court held its Annual Professionalism Luncheon at the Tower Club on March 12th and attendance included some starpower: Florida Supreme Court Justice John D. Couriel was the keynote speaker. Chief Judge Elect Carol-Lisa Phillips gave the State of the Circuit address and Judge Jackie Powell, president of the Executive Board, sang the National Anthem. Other judges in attendance included Yael Gamm, Mindy Brown, John B. Bowman, Martin Bidwill, Kathleen McCarthy, Michelle Towbin-Singer and Tabitha B. Eves. General Counsel Patricia Judge-Lashley also attended. Judges Phillips and Powell conducted a Q&A session at the event.

Another courthouse tour, another day of amazing hands-on learning, this time for the students at St. Bonaventure Catholic School. The 7th graders visited the courtroom of Judge Stacy Ross and then met with Judge Thomas J. Coleman, who took them into his jury room where he gave an impromptu class in civics. The students also met with Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor and Assistant Public Defender Tayron Lopez in the Courthouse law library, where they peppered both with lots of questions. @scschargers @browardstateattorney @browarddefender