Congratulations to our new Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips! Judge Phillips was elected unanimously today by her peers to serve as the Circuit’s next Chief Judge. She will take over after Judge Tuter steps down on June 30th. Judge Phillips ran unopposed for the two-year term. Her term officially begins on July 1, 2025. Read our press release HERE. #17thJudTeam
Congratulations to Sunil “Sunny” Nemade, the Chief Technology Officer for the 17th Judicial Circuit, for being chosen as recipient of the Chief Judge Award for Excellence! Judge Tuter presented Sunny with this prestigious award last month during his State of the Circuit presentation. Sunny was hired by Court Administration in 1987, after working in Broward County’s IT Department for three years. He has played a pivotal role in modernizing the court’s IT systems, transitioning from IBM mainframe terminals to advanced systems while creating statewide networks and specific programs tailored to serve our judges. Sunny’s tireless devotion to the job and his desire to modernize and update aging technology has positioned this court as the most progressive in the state of Florida. Astoundingly, Sunny makes himself available 24/7 to handle IT emergencies and updates of any kind, even when he travels overseas to visit family in India and has to work remotely. And on top of it all, he delivers top notch service – always – with a smile. Well-deserved, Sunny. We are fortunate to have you on our team! #17thJudTeam
A group of Brazilian students who are studying English at TLA Language Academy in Fort Lauderdale visited Judge Deborah Carpenter-Toye this week for a close-up look at the court system in action. The students observed court proceedings for about an hour, then peppered Judge Carpenter-Toye with questions about the system. TLA is an immersion school for international learners and business executives. @tla_florida #17thJudTeam
Approximately 25 students from Phyl’s Academy Preparatory School in Margate witnessed a range of trials and hearings during a courthouse tour that took them from the West to North and then down to Interpreting. Students visited the courtrooms of Judges Jeffrey R. Levenson, Michael J. Orlando and George Odom Jr. where they peppered the judges with questions, posed for photos and checked out the bench. The students also visited Court Interpreting, where our interpreting staff explained what it means to be an interpreter and demonstrated the three different kinds of interpreting. Thanks to all who made this tour so wonderful! #17thJudTeam
Chief Judge Jack Tuter heaped praise on the judges and employees of the 17th Judicial Circuit on Friday during a State of the Circuit speech that was filled with admiration, humor and heartfelt sincerity. Judge Tuter, who is stepping down in July after serving eight years as chief judge, received a standing ovation during the event. In attendance were nearly 40 judges, along with numerous court administration employees, county officials and members of the Broward County Bar Association. Broward County Vice Mayor Mark Bogen presented Judge Tuter with a proclamation declaring Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 as “17th Circuit Court Appreciation Day.” Judge Tuter also presented “Friends of the Court” awards to Vice Mayor Bogen, Broward County Administrator Monica Cepero, and attorney Eugene Pettis, co-founder of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm. Chief Technology Officer Sunil “Sunny” Nemade received the Chief Judge Award for Excellence for his decades of dedicated and innovative service to the 17th Judicial Circuit. Congratulations to all and thank you Judge Tuter for your service.
Twenty-one Court Administration employees from seven divisions kicked off the New Year’s Resolution Riverwalk with a brisk walk along the New River. A good time was had by all despite some clouds, spitting rain and temperatures that were a bit brisk. The walkers met in the downstairs lobby of the West Tower, then walked east along the New River for about 15 minutes to the East Parking Garage. Another walk will be planned soon, with a goal of establishing them weekly, so stayed tuned! Health is wealth. Join us!
