Hollywood Community Court: Helping the Unhoused

It took nearly a year but her success story was heart-stopping. Unhoused for nearly a dozen years, the Community Court participant now has her own place and her own keys. A new beginning, thanks to Hollywood Community Court. Here’s how it played out: the woman was referred to Community Court after receiving multiple charges for lodging/sleeping in public. During a 10-month period, she completed community service hours, completed all program requirements and followed up with service provider referrals and appointments. Meanwhile, Community Court worked with Broward Outreach Center, which secured her a slot in their residential program. Ultimately, they obtained housing with assistance from Broward County’s HOSS-D team and their permanent supportive housing program. Thank you Judge Corey Cawthon and your amazing support team for changing lives for the better.

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.

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!

NBC Interviews Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips discussed her new role as the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Chief Judge in a recent interview with NBC reporter Amanda Plasencia. Judge Phillips was unanimously elected Chief Judge by her fellow judges in February and officially assumed the role on May 1, 2025. Judge Phillips follows Chief Judge Jack Tuter, who retired on May 1st after 20 years on the bench. Judge Phillips is the Circuit’s first female Chief Judge in 34 years. Judge Phillips has served the 17th Judicial Circuit since 2003, when she was appointed by (then) Gov. Jeb Bush to complete the term of Judge James Cohn, who was elevated to the federal bench. Judge Phillips was elected in 2006 and re-elected in 2012, 2018 and 2024. View the NBC piece here: https://www.nbcmiami.com/on-air/as-seen-on/meet-carol-lisa-phillips-broward-countys-first-woman-chief-judge-in-34-years/3605977/

ABOTA Bids Chief Judge Jack Tuter “Farewell”

The American Board of Trial Associates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale honored the lengthy judicial career of outgoing Chief Judge Jack Tuter on Thursday with an after-hours celebration at Livia Bar & Grill in Fort Lauderdale. Judges, lawyers and lots of other well-wishers stopped by to wish Judge Tuter good luck in his next chapter. ABOTA members presented Judge Tuter with an honorary insulated cup, joking that he probably already had boxes of awards and plaques from his years as a judge. “He is the kind of guy who runs toward complex problems, instead of away,” noted ABOTA member Mitchell A. Chester. Judge Tuter, you will be greatly missed!

Visiting the Courthouse to Learn About the Law

Students from Pine Ridge Education Center toured the Broward County Courthouse on April 16th, visiting the courtrooms of Circuit Court Judge Elijah H. Williams, a juvenile delinquency judge, and County Court Judge Jackie Powell, who handles civil matters. The students observed in-progress court proceedings and asked the judges questions about their jobs during Q&A sessions. Great way to learn about the justice system!

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