A group of students from Franklin Academy visited the courtrooms of Judges Jackie Powell, Catalina Avalos and Carlos S. Rebollo during a recent courthouse tour where they observed in-progress court proceedings. All three judges took time to explain what they do so the students had a better understanding of what actually happens in court. Thank you judges for taking time to educate! @franklincharter #17thjudicialcircuit #LawAndOrder
Students from Pine Ridge Alternative Center got to see the law in action during a visit to the Courthouse where they met with Judge Michael J. Orlando and Judge Robert F. Diaz, who both took time to field questions and explain how the judicial system works.
In observance of Veterans Day, the 17th Judicial Circuit would like to thank our veterans for their service, sacrifices, and valor. Pictured here are some of our employees and their loved ones who have served – or continue to serve — in our armed forces. Among those pictured: Judge Michael A. Usan, USAF; retired Chief Judge Peter Weinstein, US Army; Judge Edward H. Merrigan, Major General, US Army; Digital Court Reporter Donald Brown, US Army; Kenneth Logan Sr., USMC, father of Judge Stefanie C. Moon; Frank J. Lazorishak, USAF, father-in-law of Judge Florence Taylor Barner; Mel Schiff, US Coast Guard, father of Judge Louis H. Schiff; David Feldman, US Army, father of Digital Court Reporter Eric S. Feldman; Carlo Galluccio, USAF and Christopher Notarnicola, USMC, husband and son of Judge Ellen Feld’s Judicial Assistant Paula Galluccio; Lakesha Barnes Cole, USAF, sister of Court Program Specialist III Lakita O’Donnell; Steven D. Unik, USMC, court bailiff for Judge Jessica M. Marra; Evan Sheehan, US Navy, son of Judge Kal Evans’ Judicial Assistant Jen Castaneda-Sheehan. THANK YOU for everything you do for our country and our freedom.
Breaking news! Woody Clermont has been elected to be our newest County Court judge, and Circuit Court Judge Jessica M. Marra was re-elected to serve another six-year term. Woody Clermont will replace longtime Judge Robert F. Diaz, who is retiring in December. Congratulations! The 17th Judicial Circuit is lucky to have you both!
Retiring Judge Robert F. Diaz turned the tables on the Young Lawyers section of the Broward County Bar Association during a recent “Lunch with the Judiciary”: instead of taking the spotlight himself, he asked the attendees to do most of the talking. Judge Diaz has taught law at Nova Southeastern University for decades and it was very clear he knew just how to get people to open up. Each person had to explain why they become a lawyer, describe the oddest job was they had ever worked, tell where they went to law school and share their long-term goal. Judge Diaz captivated the group with his wit, humor, sincerity and institutional knowledge. He is retiring in December after 32 years on the bench. You will be missed!
New attorneys recently got a chance to meet and greet a roomful of judges during a recent New Attorney Orientation organized by the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA). At least 10 judges convened in Chief Judge Jack Tuter’s courtroom for the event, where several judges spoke about their unique roles and the related challenges. The informative event offered the new lawyers a chance to network with our judges outside of formal court proceedings. Thank you BCBA for planning this great event!
