Welcome to the Bench, Judge Achille!

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Welcome to the Bench, Judge Achille!

Judge Pascale Achille, the newest judge in the 17th Judicial Circuit, was formally welcomed on Friday during a traditional investiture ceremony held before a courtroom filled with family, colleagues, and well-wishers.

Judge Achille is assigned to the Circuit’s Family Division and brings a wealth of experience to the bench. She previously served for 12 years as an Assistant State Attorney with the Broward State Attorney’s Office, including membership in the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018, and earlier assignments in the Sexual Battery and Career Criminal units. Before her prosecutorial career, Judge Achille spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs, and arguing cases before the Second and Fifth District Courts of Appeal.

Congratulations, Judge Achille—we are thrilled to have you on our team.

by Sallie James — February 13, 2026 in Announcements

Pine Ridge Students Discover How the Courts Work

Students from Pine Ridge Education Center in Davie recently gained an inside look at the justice system, learning about Judge Michael Davis’ Drug Court and observing how juvenile court operates during a visit to Judge Elijah H. Williams’ courtroom.

The students also heard firsthand about the role of a prosecutor from Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor, and learned about the work of the Public Defender’s Office from Tayron Lopez, head of the felony division, along with two assistant public defenders.

A captivating presentation on ballistics and firearms by Broward Sheriff’s Office firearms expert Hery Figueroa transfixed the students with his presentation on guns, bullets and how science is used to figure out if a specific weapon was used in a crime,

Thank you to all the judges, attorneys, law enforcement professionals, and mentors who helped make this day both meaningful and memorable for these students. #teamwork #17thJudTeam

by Sallie James — February 11, 2026 in Court Updates

Celebrating Court Reporting & Captioning Week 2026

It’s 2026 Court Reporting & Captioning Week, and the 17th Judicial Circuit is proud to recognize the vital work done every day—often behind the scenes—by our outstanding digital court reporters. Their dedication and precision ensure an accurate record of court proceedings and help keep the business of the courts running smoothly.

A big thank-you to our incredible team of digital court reporters for their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to justice.

#PeaceLoveSteno

by Sallie James — February 10, 2026 in Announcements

Judges Connect with High School Students at Bilingual Conference

The 17th Judicial Circuit was well represented at the 6th Annual Hispanic Bar Association Bilingual Conference held recently at Fort Lauderdale High School, with Judges Florence Taylor Barner and Jose Izquierdo serving as panelists.

The event was filled with motivational stories, encouraging remarks, and shared dreams for an inclusive and dynamic future. Judges Barner and Izquierdo joined fellow members of our legal community in sharing inspiring personal journeys and unique experiences in the law.

Nearly 200 participants attended, including judges, attorneys, law students, high school students, legal volunteers, teachers, administrators, and county staff.

Thank you to the judges of the 17th Judicial Circuit for your continued commitment to community outreach and for your dedication to strengthening connections between the judiciary and the community it serves. #17thJudTeam

by Sallie James — January 30, 2026 in Announcements

Judge Kal Evans Speaks to NSU Law Students

Judge Kal Evans spoke with new law students and their families during the NSU Law Friends & Family Weekend as part of an alumni panel discussion focused on navigating law school, building meaningful connections within the legal community, and avoiding ethical pitfalls.

The event was organized by Annabelle Rosa, the current Student Bar Association President and daughter of Braulio Rosa, Executive Director of the Broward Bar Association. While Braulio did not participate on the panel, he was among the family members in attendance. Community engagement matters!

by Sallie James — January 27, 2026 in Announcements

ABOTA Recognizes Two Judges with Top Awards for Advancing Justice

The 17^th Judicial Circuit Court is pleased to announce that the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fort Laudedale chapter has named Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock “Jurist of the Year 2025.” ABOTA presented Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson its President’s Award. Judge Fahnestock was chosen by the membership of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Fort Lauderdale Chapter, as our Jurist of the Year for numerous reasons. Judge Fahnestock upholds the standards of civility and professionalism in her courtroom not only in the way she expects the attorneys to act but also through her judicial demeanor. The President’s Award recognizes extraordinary contributions and dedication to furthering the mission of ABOTA. Congratulations! Read our press release HERE.

by Sallie James — January 23, 2026 in Announcements