All Posts in "Court Administration"

Ensuring Everyone Understands Their Day in Court

Behind every fair hearing is someone ensuring everyone is heard and understood. Our dedicated team of bilingual courthouse interpreters is always ready to step in when someone needs help understanding court proceedings.

Fluent in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and French, these professionals are essential in serving South Florida’s diverse population. For all other languages, the court relies on contracted interpreters to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.

Their work is vital to upholding justice and keeping courtrooms running smoothly.
Thank you to our interpreters for being the voice of clarity in the courtroom.

by — August 1, 2025 in Announcements
Strengthening the Bench and Bar at the 2025 Trial Advocacy Workshop

Judges Lauren M. Alperstein and Judge Christopher Wigand of the 17th Judicial Circuit shared their expertise at the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar Trial Advocacy Workshop, held July 23–27 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami.

Judge Alperstein served as a workshop leader, while Judge Wigand delivered a lecture on practical trial tips. The intensive program offered attendees the opportunity to sharpen their courtroom skills, work with expert witnesses, and receive one-on-one feedback as they prepared and presented a full family law case. Participants were paired with opposing counsel and mentored in small groups led by experienced judges, magistrates, and Board-Certified attorneys.

We’re proud to have judges who not only excel in the courtroom but are also deeply committed to advancing legal education and fostering excellence within the legal community.

by — July 28, 2025 in Announcements
Promoting Public Trust & Confidence Through Service and Collaboration

A team of dedicated court employees from the 17th Judicial Circuit was in Omaha, NE, this week for the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association for Court Management.

This year’s conference focused on strengthening public trust in the courts through strategies that enhance the court user experience and foster effective collaborations. Sessions exploredbest practices in public information sharing, cultural responsiveness, support for individuals with limited English proficiency, assistance for self-represented litigants, and initiatives that promote access and fairness for all.

We’re proud to have sent our team there, gaining valuable insights to bring back to our community.

Pictured left to right: Alex Villoria, Meisha Kellyman, Marhea Lascano, Sheree Edwards, Jeremiah Ortiz, Joe D’Amico, Lizete Guete Ibarra and Rafael Ferrans.

by — July 25, 2025 in Announcements
A Salute to Service and Justice

Judge Edward H. Merrigan Jr., a highly decorated Major General in the U.S. Army, received a formal military sendoff during a retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., complete with an honor guard, military bands, and heartfelt tributes. The ceremony was livestreamed on Facebook.

Now presiding in our Circuit Criminal division, Judge Merrigan founded the 17th’s Veterans Court in 2012, a specialized program helping veterans facing substance abuse or mental health challenges.

Major General Merrigan enlisted in the Army in 1994 and joined the Army Reserve in 1999, beginning his service as an International Law Officer with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion in Perrine, FL. His distinguished career included a deployment to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

During the Department of the Army and General Officer Retirement Ceremony, one speaker noted: “You represent the epitome of selfless service. Please accept our eternal thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Thank you, Major General Merrigan, for your unwavering commitment to both country and community. Read our press release HERE. Watch the video HERE.


by — July 24, 2025 in Announcements
Judges DeLuca & Lerner-Wren Recognized for Decades of Judicial Service

Congratulations to Judges Steven P. DeLuca and Ginger Lerner-Wren!
Both judges were honored with the prestigious Silver Gavel Award at the recent 2025 Conference of County Court Judges of Florida in Bonita Springs for their 25+ years of dedicated judicial service. Thank you for your decades of commitment to justice and public service — the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to have you on our team!

by — July 23, 2025 in Announcements
Embracing Innovations in Court Communications

More than 80 court public information officers from across the country gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this week to exchange ideas on court communications, judicial security, and using social media to share the stories of the courts. Representing the 17th Judicial Circuit was our own Court PIO, Sallie James.

The conference featured innovative discussions, including the Arizona Supreme Court’s groundbreaking use of avatars to explain court decisions and a thought-provoking conversation about the pros and cons of livestreaming trials. Attendees also explored strategies for handling high-profile cases, highlighted by firsthand insights from the PIO who managed the intense national and international media attention surrounding actor Alec Baldwin’s Rust trial.

Participants toured the New Mexico State Capitol and Supreme Court, building connections and sharing expertise that will strengthen court communication efforts across the country. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to connect with experienced court communications professionals, share best practices, and build relationships that will serve the courts for years to come.

by — July 18, 2025 in Announcements
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