Hard Work and Resilience Inspire Us All!

Dependency Judge Stacey Schulman recently had the honor of congratulating graduates on stage at the 21st Annual Broward County Transitional Independent Living Graduation Celebration, held at Broward College. The event was put on by ChildNet and other associated agencies.

This June 26th event recognized youth in foster care graduating from middle school, high school, college, trade school, or earning their GED or associate degree. Judge Schulman, along with employees Ta’Ami Bajamour, Jessica Byczek, and Heather Abel from the 17th Judicial Circuit joined in celebrating their incredible achievements.

Congratulations to all the graduates! #17thjudteam

Congratulations on Your Appointment by Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

Congratulations to Brittany Simpson Joseph for your appointment to the state Committee on Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules and Policy. Brittany is the Director of the 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Mediation and Arbitration Program. Florida Supreme Court Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed Brittany to this prestigious committee, which reviews all the governing rules of the court-appointed mediators. As a committee member, Brittany will contribute her thoughts to any pending cases or needed updates. The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you on our team, Brittany!

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers!

The 17th Judicial Circuit celebrated the Florida Panthers second Stanley Cup win in a colorful show of support for this amazing team! Trial Court Administrator Joe D’Amico encouraged employees to celebrate the team’s huge victory by donning Panthers merch. And they did not disappoint! Among the fans? Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Nina W. DiPietro. Go Panthers!

Compassion in Action

The 17th Circuit was proud to be part of the June 12th, 2025 Homeless Community Symposium in Hollywood.

Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Judge Florence Taylor Barner shared insights from Community Court—where low-level offenses are met with solutions like treatment and service, not jail.

Also representing the circuit was Judge Corey A. Cawthon, who presides in Hollywood Community Court. Judge Betsy Benson, who presides in Pompano Beach Community Court, was unable to attend. More than 100 attendees and service providers attended the event, focused on supporting the homeless population with dignity and care.

A powerful event highlighting real justice, rooted in care. #CommunityCourt #JusticeWithDignity #17thCircuit

17th Circuit Team Attends RISE25 Conference on Justice and Recovery

Representatives from the 17th Judicial Circuit attended the RISE25 Conference, held May 28–31 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida.
This national event brought together professionals from Juvenile, Dependency, and Adult Drug Courts, as well as Mental Health and Veterans Courts, to share ideas and best practices. Attendees from our Circuit included a judge, attorneys, program managers, coordinators, case managers, peer specialists, and representatives from ChildNet. The conference—recognized as the leading event on substance use, mental health, and justice innovation—offered powerful opportunities for learning, connection, and recommitment to building healthier, safer communities.

ABOTA Welcomes Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips

The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) welcomed Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips to her new position with a monogrammed hangar and drinking cup. Judge Phillips took over as Chief Judge on May 1st, in the wake of Chief Judge Jack Tuter’s retirement after nearly 20 years on the bench, eight as Chief Judge. On hand to present the swag were three of the ABOTA’s heavy hitters: Jordan Kirby, ABOTA membership chair; Braulio Rosa, ABOTA executive director; and Miles McGrane IV, ABOTA’s president-elect (pictured left to right). And of course, Judge Phillips. Thank you ABOTA for the warm welcome!

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