Full Court Press Spring 2023
Contents
- A Message from the State Courts Administrator
- New District Judges Statewide
- Interview with the Reporter of Decisions
- Chief Justice Muñiz Speaks at a Supreme Evening 2023
- Farewell Justice Polston
- A Spotlight on Mediation in the Fifth Circuit
- Judges' Continuing Education Requirements are Changing
- New Judges' Education
- Florida's 2024 Child and Family Services Review
- Trial Court Administrator Farewell and Hello in the First Judicial Circuit
- New Trial Court Administrator Orientation at the Office of the State Courts Administrator
- Turning Points
- Around the State: Courts Around the Corner
A Message from the State Courts Administrator
Allison C. Sackett
Since my last address, judges, court staff, the Office of the State Courts Administrator staff, and State Courts System committees have been preparing for the 2023 Regular Legislative Session, which convened on March 7. We have all been working to support the State Courts System’s legislative budget request and providing and presenting relevant information to the legislature. During week five, the House and Senate both passed their FY 2023-24 state budget proposals and are preparing to enter a budget conference to resolve the differences between the two chambers’ budget proposals. Currently, both chambers proposed a salary increase for state employees, funding for 20 full-time employees for trial courts to employ a deputy technology officer in each circuit, and funding for the trial courts’ Pandemic Recovery Plan. Session is scheduled to conclude on May 5, and we will relay the FY 2023-24 budget once the governor signs it into law.
Although the legislative session may be the subject of many conversations this time of year, the State Courts System is busy with training events, orienting new court staff, and providing educational opportunities for judges and others.
Starting off the year, on January 1, the Sixth District Court of Appeal opened and welcomed nine judges to its bench. Chief Justice Muñiz also ushered in the new year and addressed some of the issues facing our courts at the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society’s Supreme Evening annual event. As we said hello to a new year, we said farewell to several members of our court family, including supreme court justice Ricky Polston. We appreciate his decades-long service to the courts and Florida’s residents. We also said goodbye to the supreme court’s first-ever reporter of decisions, Jim Logue, who retired after more than 40 years of service to the supreme court.
Continuing education is always a priority for the courts in an ever-changing legal landscape, and there have been many training opportunities statewide in the past few months. These opportunities included the Florida Court Personnel Institute in Kissimmee, in-person and virtual certified mediation training courses, and an orientation to the Office of the State Courts Administrator for many of the new Trial Court Administrators from the First Judicial Circuit to the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. New trial judges also attended the Florida Judicial College, which was held in two phases in January and March, and new appellate judges attended the New Appellate Judge’s Program in Tallahassee, also in March. These programs are required for all judges and create a foundation to help them succeed in their new roles.
Looking toward the summer, we anticipate more educational opportunities, such as the annual conferences for all levels of the State Courts System and welcoming a new justice to the supreme court bench. None of these accomplishments would be possible without you all, my colleagues, and your continued and dedicated efforts to provide outstanding service across the State Courts System. Thank you for your steadfast commitment to the goals and future of Florida’s judicial branch. I look forward to many more inspiring seasons working alongside you.
New District Judges Statewide
When the Sixth District Court of Appeal was created, several of Florida’s appellate districts were restructured, which resulted in changes in the number of judges on the benches of the Second and Fifth District Courts of Appeal. The redistricting is based on the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, access to appellate review, and professionalism throughout Florida’s appellate districts as outlined in the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration
. As a result, 15 judges now serve on the bench of the Second District Court of Appeal, and 12 serve on the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Nine judges serve on the Sixth District Court of Appeal.
To fill the nine seats, Governor DeSantis recommissioned one Sixth District Court of Appeal judge from the Second and five from the Fifth district courts of appeal. The remaining three judges were appointed from the Ninth and Thirteenth judicial circuits. The judges elected Judge Meredith L. Sasso the chief judge of the new court at their first conference.
To learn more about the judges on the Sixth District Court of Appeal bench, visit the court’s website.
The recommissioning of judges created four vacancies on the bench of the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Those vacancies were filled with the following appointments.
New Fifth District Court of Appeal Judges
Judge Adrian G. Soud
- Appointed from the Fourth Judicial Circuit
Judge Joe Boatwright
- Appointed from the Putnam County Court
Judge Paige Kilbane
- Appointed from the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Judge John MacIver
- Former chairman of the Florida Gaming Control Commission
For more information about judges on the bench of the Fifth District Court of Appeal, visit the court’s website.
The Governor's website lists all the current court vacancies, including those trial court vacancies created due to judges’ elevations to a district court.
Interview with the Reporter of Decisions
The reporter of decisions is responsible for reviewing all decisions rendered by the Florida Supreme Court, ensuring all references are present and correctly cited, and the decision is ready for release to the public. They are the last pair of eyes to examine and the final opportunity to edit decisions before release.
Jim Logue in the Supreme Court Building’s rotunda
The role of the reporter of decisions varies from state to state; some state supreme courts have entire teams devoted to preparing decisions for all appellate cases before they are released, some have individuals whose sole job is to meticulously review and edit decisions of only the supreme court, and some states have no reporter of decisions at all. A short 31 years ago, the reporter of decisions became a formal position at the Florida Supreme Court.
Jim Logue, the recently retired reporter of decisions and the first person to officially hold the role at the Florida Supreme Court, sat down for an interview for the Full Court Press and reflected on his 45-year career at the Florida Supreme Court, the evolution of his position as the reporter of decisions, and how a regular reviewer of legal documents plans to enjoy his retirement. Although Jim initially retired in 2012, he returned to the supreme court in 2013 as a central staff attorney and returned to his former role as the reporter of decisions in 2017. His second retirement from the supreme court was effective December 31, 2022.
Jim earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. When deciding on his studies as an undergraduate, he began as an English major, as he was surrounded by newspaper journalists growing up. However, Jim always knew he wanted to attend law school and found that political science would better fit his future. After graduating with his political science degree, Jim attended the University of Florida College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate.
Justice Jospeh Arthur Boyd, Jr.
As a new lawyer, Jim began work as a research aide for Justice Joseph Arthur Boyd, Jr. in 1977, launching his 45-year career in the Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee. He worked for Justice Boyd until his retirement from the court in 1987. Justice Boyd served as chief justice from 1984-1986, and it was during his term as chief justice that Jim began to prepare the Court’s decisions for release. During the 1980s, Jim would print each decision and manually review the work, pulling stacks of books full of Florida’s laws and historical cases from the supreme court’s library, marking any necessary edits with a red pen.
Once Justice Boyd retired, Jim worked from 1986-1992 with Chief Justices Parker Lee McDonald, Raymond Ehrlich, and Leander J. Shaw, preparing decisions to be released to the public. When Justice Rosemary Barkett became the Florida Supreme Court’s first female chief justice in 1992, she saw an opportunity to restructure and formalize some positions within the supreme court’s staff. Chief Justice Barkett saw Jim’s role as vital support for the Court and formalized it as a reporter of decisions.
Although the supreme court began modernizing and implementing word processors to make tasks like reporting decisions or writing memos more efficient, Jim found he preferred to continue carefully reviewing the decisions using a printed copy and a red pen. When asked about what his daily routine looked like, Jim humbly mused that his position “is similar to academic editing for journal publications,” he added that much of what he checks and edits are “case references, ensuring citations’ [correctness] and proper formatting.”
Justice Rosemary Barkett
After spending his career in public service, he reflected on the role of lawyers in the justice system. He noted that often lawyers are thought of as only on the front lines, arguing cases in courtrooms, but there are many lawyers behind the scenes, supporting the work of judges, justices, and justice partners as he did in his roles at the supreme court. He said his job is “rewarding in all cases,” not only highly consequential high-profile ones.
Jim reflected on his 45-year career serving Florida’s residents as part of the judicial system as a perfect fit for him. He is known to be thoughtful and meticulous in every aspect of his life and shared that attention to detail kept him motivated throughout the years. In closing, he said, “I am grateful to the Court for the opportunity to serve the public and be a part of the justice system.” He plans to enjoy his retirement by catching up on reading and spending time with his grandchildren.
Chief Justice Muñiz Speaks at A Supreme Evening 2023
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz speaks at a Supreme Evening
Annually, the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society hosts the event, A Supreme Evening, to help “carry out its mission to educate the public about the critically important work of the courts.” Typically, the Historical Society holds the event in January and, through its programming, welcomes the new year. The 2023 Supreme Evening was held on January 26 at the Dunlap Champions Club at Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium. This year, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Muñiz delivered a “State of the Court” presentation, and Wall Street Journal Reporters Melissa Korn and Jennifer Levitz headlined the event. Ms. Korn and Ms. Levitz are known for writing the book UNACCEPTABLE: Privilege, Deceit & the Making of the College Admissions Scandal and discussed their coverage of the varsity blues admissions scandal. The Historical Society also welcomed Justice Renatha Francis after she joined the supreme court bench in September 2022.
Justice Renatha Francis attending a Supreme Evening
Many jurists attended, supporting the Historical Society and enjoying the varied presentations. During his State of Court presentation, Chief Justice Muñiz reflected on some of the prevalent issues facing the United States Supreme Court. He noted, “We would be naive to think the overall environment in which the courts are operating now won’t affect the people’s view of courts generally, including … state courts.” He continued his address by providing a brief state of the judiciary and reminded attendees that “our views are not monolithic,” and it is essential to keep the whole picture in mind so Florida’s residents may continue to have a “strong” and “vibrant” judiciary for decades into the future.
The event is juxtaposed with the annual Pro Bono Awards, for which the ceremony occurred earlier that day in the Supreme Court Courtroom. Seven pro bono awards were given, and numerous jurists were honored for their contributions to ensuring the availability of legal services to Floridians of limited means. The persistent theme of reflection was evident in the presentation of each one.
Farewell Justice Polston
Justice Ricky Polston
Florida Supreme Court Justice Ricky Polston resigned from the bench effective March 31, 2023. Justice Polston served on the Florida Supreme Court from 2008 until 2023 and served as chief justice from 2012 to 2014. In his letter of resignation to Governor DeSantis, Justice Polston wrote, “It is my great honor to serve the people of Florida in the judiciary for over 22 years … I truly am grateful for the opportunity to work with such great jurists, lawyers, and all those involved with the judiciary.”
Justice Polston earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University in 1975, where he was named the university’s Most Outstanding Accounting Student and graduated summa cum laude. After working in private practice as an accountant for seven years, he returned to Florida State University to attend law school. In 1986, he obtained his Juris Doctorate with high honors from the Florida State University College of Law. He subsequently spent 14 years in private practice until Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the First District Court of Appeal in 2001. After seven years on the bench of the First District Court of Appeal, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the supreme court in 2008.
Justice Polston’s 15 years at the supreme court were marked by many challenges and successes that continue to impact the judicial branch today. When the justices selected him as chief justice for a term beginning in 2012, the courts were managing a backlog of foreclosure cases resulting from the 2008 foreclosure crisis and the Great Recession. In a reflection on his time as chief justice, he noted that “the foreclosure crisis — hundreds of thousands of cases flooding the courts during an economic cataclysm — was an incredible challenge. This was particularly so as I came to understand how imprecise and incomplete was our ability to have an aged accounting for those cases statewide. We took steps to gather accurate, timely information to guide our response.”
Justice Canady swears in Justice Polston to the Florida Supreme Court in 2008
In 2013, more than 330,000 foreclosure cases were pending in Florida’s courts. Before 2008, there were typically only 70,000 foreclosure cases filed annually. Under Justice Polston’s leadership, the court system was successful in advocating for an appropriation from the legislature of more than $21 million to assist the judicial branch in addressing the workload. Accurate data and the accompanying technological practices, such as mandatory electronic filing, to solve the foreclosure crisis became focal points of Justice Polston’s term as chief justice.
Before his term as chief justice, Justice Polston served as chair of the Judicial Branch Governance Study Group in 2009. The group proposed several recommendations for improving governance of the judicial branch, one of which was the reactivation of the Judicial Management Council, as its previous iteration was temporarily suspended in 2008.
When he became chief justice in 2012, Justice Polston reconstituted the Judicial Management Council for the fourth time. Eleven years later, the same Council – with new membership – continues its work today. When Justice Polston was preparing for the reestablished Council, he considered its previous iterations and limited its membership to 15 voting members representing all levels of the judicial system. The smaller membership aims to ensure the Council can quickly and deftly respond to issues.
Justice Polston gives a presentation in the Supreme Court Courtroom
During its first meeting, Chief Justice Polston led the group through a detailed introduction with a significant takeaway: the Council would focus on “looking forward” to identify issues before they impact the branch. At that meeting, Chief Justice Polston painted the Judicial Management Council as the “headlights” for the judicial branch, an image still used to describe the Council 11 years later. Justice Canady discussed the importance of the Council when he was chief justice: “The larger purpose of the current version of the [Council] is described by Justice Ricky Polston’s memorable and apt phrase as the judicial branch’s headlights, shining on the road ahead to alert the branch’s leadership to possible hazards and showing the best way forward.”
Current Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz regarded Justice Polston as “a good man, and he has been a treasured colleague, friend, and role model to all of us on the Court. We are grateful for Justice Polston’s decades of exemplary service to the people of our state.” Justice Polston’s service will have lasting impacts on the judicial branch. Through his leadership during the foreclosure crisis, the re-establishment of the Judicial Management Council, and the transition to mandatory e-filing in Florida’s courts, his impact on how the judicial branch serves residents of this state is felt daily.
Justice Polston’s entire life is marked by service to others. He has been married to his wife, Deborah Ehler Polston, for 45 years. They have ten children, six of whom are an adopted sibling group. “I am grateful for the public trust placed in me during my judicial career. It has been my great honor to serve the people of Florida,” he said. Upon his resignation from the supreme court, Justice Polston will begin a new role as General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.
Justice Polston speaking at Florida State University’s College of Law graduation, 2019
A Spotlight on Mediation in the Fifth Circuit
On January 23, 24, 30, and 31 in The Villages, Florida, the Fifth Judicial Circuit offered a free mediation certification course to prepare new volunteer mediators to join the Fifth Judicial Circuit’s ranks. Mediation helps parties resolve disputes such as dissolution of marriage (divorce) or small claims in a non-adversarial manner with the help of a neutral party such as a mediator or parenting coordinator.
As a prerequisite, the 12 soon-to-be mediators observed a county court mediation in an active case in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Following the mediation observation session, they attended the four-day course, which provided 24 training hours. The event was led by Fifth Judicial Circuit mediation staff, Dispute Resolution Center trainers, and University of Florida staff. All 12 participants completed the course and are finalizing their requirements before becoming certified mediators.
Graduates of the Fifth Judicial Circuit’s mediation training
To become a certified mediator, 24 to 40 hours of initial training is required, depending on the type of certification sought. To maintain certification, 16 hours of continuing mediator training are required annually. Alternative dispute resolution professionals include mediators, arbitrators, and parenting and eldercare coordinators, and each alternative dispute resolution professional has different requirements to obtain certification. There currently are over 6,000 certified mediators in Florida.
For more information about how to become a certified alternative dispute resolution professional or where to access certified training, see the alternative dispute resolution webpage of the Florida Courts website.
Judges' Continuing Education Education Requirements are Changing
The Florida Court Education Council provides oversight on the development and maintenance of educational opportunities for Florida’s judges and court personnel. The members meet regularly to discuss budgets, programming, and policies regarding court education and make policy recommendations to the supreme court. Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz is the current chair of the Council. The supreme court charged the Council with compiling its policies into a manual, and the Council submitted a manual for review. The Court approved it with some revisions, and the new Florida Court Education Council Policies Manual was released on February 2 and is attached to administrative order AOSC23-08. The manual compiles the various policies created within the Florida Court Education Council and includes the changes outlined in the opinion the Florida Supreme Court issued on the same date. The opinion amends Rule 2.320 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, which regards Continuing Judicial Education.
Significant policies in the new Florida Court Education Council Policies Manual include:
- Fifteen hours of judges’ continuing judicial education credits must be completed through conference-sponsored events. Conference-sponsored events include the Florida Judicial College, the College of Advanced Judicial Studies, the Traffic Adjudication Lab, Handling Capital Cases courses, Judicial Faculty Training, and the annual tier of court educational programs offered by various judicial conferences.
- The remaining 15 hours of continuing judicial education may be earned through distance learning opportunities or any other approved courses.
- Distance learning opportunities no longer need to be “live” and interactive.
- The required attendance at the Florida Judicial College and the New Appellate Judges Program counts toward the 30-hour continuing judicial education requirement.
In addition to reviewing and amending the Florida Court Education Council Policies Manual, the Court approved the 2023 version of the Comprehensive Plan for Administration of the Court Education Trust Fund, which is also attached to AOSC23-08. These changes encourage connection among judges and provide an opportunity to learn from in-person instruction and judicial peers.
Administrative order AOSC23-08 additionally terminates the pandemic-era administrative order AOSC20-29 that “suspended restrictions on the number of continuing judicial education credits that may be obtained by sitting judges through distance learning or through non-conference sponsored programming for the current judicial education reporting period.” The administrative order is effective June 30, 2023.
The lifting of restrictions on the number of continuing education credits a judge can receive in a virtual and non-conference setting was established in administrative order AOSC20-29 issued by then Chief Justice Charles T. Canady as a temporary measure to ensure the courts continued to operate during the COVID pandemic to the “fullest extent,” which included maintaining rigorous continuing judicial education while implementing measures to safeguard public safety. All distance-learning and non-conference credits earned prior to June 30 will be accepted.
All of Florida’s judges are required to complete 30 approved hours of continuing judicial education every three years to stay abreast of changes in law and policy and grow their judicial knowledge in specialized areas. Judges may select the courses they complete as long as they are approved, but courses are offered to support judges in various divisions. For instance, in FY 2021-22, the Florida Court Education Council provided oversight on educational opportunities such as “Managing Personality Disorders in and out of Family Court,” “100 Supreme Court Cases That Every Judge (and Lawyer) Should Know,” and “Post-Conviction in Capital Cases.” The variety of courses helps judges stay current on various topics and allows them to focus on issues that impact their work the most.
New Judges' Education
Florida Judicial College Phase I and II
Continuing Judicial Education is mandatory in Florida by court rule. When a new trial court judge is elected or appointed, they have one calendar year from the date of their selection to complete their initial education requirements through the Florida Judicial College program. The Florida Judicial College is separated into two main phases and is taught by some of the state’s most experienced judges and faculty. Between the two phases, the curriculum includes an in-depth orientation, trial skills courses, mock trial experience, and various intensive law courses to prepare them for their new role.
Phase I of the Florida Judicial College occurred in early January, with 50 judges from county, circuit, and appellate courts attending. There were also 12 general magistrates and three hearing officers in attendance, as they had their own track at the college. All attendees enjoyed a plenary session led by former Florida Supreme Court Justice C. Alan Lawson entitled “On Being a Judge.” The attendees honed their trial skills, participated in mock trials, and attended communications, mental health, and wellness classes led by judges and judicial officers from across the state.
Phase II was held in March, with 106 judges in attendance. Judges, magistrates, and hearing officers participated in intensive law classes, covering judicial fundamentals in various divisions, ethics, contempt, and more. The last day of the program featured the Magistrate and Hearing Officer Institute, with 53 attendees from across the state. They attended classes covering best practices, domestic violence, and evidence while their new colleagues attended the final day of Phase II.
New Appellate Judges Program
When a new appellate judge is appointed to a district court of appeal or a new justice is appointed to the supreme court, they have two years following their selection to that court to complete a New Appellate Judges Program. Additionally, a new appellate judge that has not previously served on a trial court or completed Phase I of the Florida Judicial College must also complete Phase I.
While many trial judges attended Phase II of the Judicial College in Orlando, new appellate judges gathered in Tallahassee for the New Appellate Judges Program. They split the program between the Florida Supreme Court Building and the First District Court of Appeal Courthouse. Judges, clerks, and other experienced educators presented courses on appellate jurisdiction, statutory interpretation, opinion writing, and other pertinent topics. Seven district court of appeal judges and Justice Renatha Francis attended the four-day event. The New Appellate Judges Program allows new judges and justices to learn from their peers and connect over timely judicial conversation. This program had judicial representatives from every district court of appeal teaching courses on the various issues appellate judges will face in their new roles and providing a first-hand perspective on the daily routine of an appellate judge in Florida.
For more information about judicial education, visit the court education page of the Florida Courts website or see Rule 2.320 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration.
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit attendees at the Florida Judicial College
Florida's 2024 Child and Family Services Review
The Children’s Bureau is a federal agency that seeks to “improve the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.” Regularly, the Children’s Bureau performs Child and Family Services Reviews, which are quality assurance audits regarding the well-being of children and families in all 50 states. The audits seek to:
- determine conformity with federal child welfare requirements;
- learn about the experiences of children, youth, and families receiving child welfare services; and
- assist states in enhancing their capacity to help children and families achieve positive outcomes.
Florida’s fourth such review will be conducted in 2024, following reviews in 2001, 2008, and 2016. Several stakeholders met with key Children’s Bureau representatives in mid-March to discuss ways to engage Florida’s legal and judicial communities in the review process. Meeting participants included:
- The Honorable Renatha Francis, Florida Supreme Court Justice
- Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Judge José Izquierdo, Chair of the Dependency Court Improvement Panel
- Allison Sackett, State Courts Administrator
- Eric Maclure, Deputy State Courts Administrator
- John Couch, Chief, Office of Family Courts
- Carrie Toy, Court Improvement Program Director and Office of Family Courts Operations Manager
- Shevaun Harris, Department of Children and Families Secretary
The Office of the State Courts Administrator’s Office of Family Courts houses a team focused on Florida’s Court Improvement Program that provides training, technical assistance, and data support to dependency judges, magistrates, and court staff throughout the state. The Court Improvement Program team submits annual self-assessments to the Children’s Bureau outlining safety and permanency as well as the Child and Family Services Review.
For more information about Child and Family Services Reviews, visit this Children’s Bureau webpage. For more information about Florida’s Court Improvement Program, visit the Florida Courts website.
Trial Court Administrator Farewell and Hello in the First Judicial Circuit
Robin M. Wright retires from the First Judicial Circuit in May after 32 years of service, including 16 years as trial court administrator.
Robin Wright
While serving as a senior deputy court administrator, Ms. Wright facilitated the development and implementation of several drug courts, including two adult, one parent, and one juvenile court. These administrative achievements made her an ideal candidate for the First Judicial Circuit’s Trial Court Administrator position in 2007.
Ms. Wright oversaw many advancements to the First Judicial Circuit’s facilities and processes during her tenure, including the opening of the new Okaloosa County Courthouse and Courthouse Annex, the opening of the new Santa Rosa County Courthouse, and the development of two Early Childhood Courts.
Kasey Watson
She served on several committees and commissions, including the Trial Court Budget Commission, the Steering Committee on Families and Children in the Courts, the Steering Committee for Problem Solving Courts, the Dependency Court Improvement Panel, and the Court Interpreter Certification Board. During her time on these various committees, she provided invaluable insight based on her administrative experiences in the First Judicial Circuit. She is also an active community member and served on various local boards and councils during her time with the circuit. Ms. Wright will retire in May, and her successor, Kasey Watson, is working alongside her to prepare for the transition.
Kasey Watson, the current deputy trial court administrator, has served in the First Judicial Circuit since 2004. From 2004 to 2012, Ms. Watson served as a staff attorney. In 2012, she was promoted to supervising staff attorney and, shortly after, promoted to General Counsel. She holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from Auburn University and a Juris Doctorate from Emory University.
Trial Court Administrator Orientation at the Office of the State Courts Administrator
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz speaks with the new trial court administrators
On February 28 and March 1, seven of the eight new trial court administrators joined the Office of the State Courts Administrator staff at the Florida Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee for an orientation on administrative matters. New trial court administrators from the First, Second, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Eleventh, and Eighteenth judicial circuits were present for a full agenda spanning the two days.
Each of Florida’s 20 judicial circuits has a trial court administrator that assists the chief judge in carrying out the myriad administrative duties required to ensure effective court operations. As outlined in the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, trial court administrators are selected by the chief judge and subject to concurrence by a majority vote of all the circuit and county judges of that circuit.
During the orientation, the group discussed various administrative matters and met with Office of the State Courts Administrator staff members who would serve as resources when addressing administrative concerns. Additionally, the trial court administrators shared information about issues facing the trial courts.
Sharon the therapy dog from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s Animal Therapy Program
The visit included a welcome from Chief Justice Muñiz and a tour of the Supreme Court Building. During the presentations, the group discussed the court committee structure and how to be a part of it, technology and its use in trial courts, the certification of judicial need process, and several additional pertinent topics.
Between discussions and presentations, the administrators took a deep breath and met courthouse dog Sharon, who stole the hearts of the trial court administrators and (with help from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Animal Therapy Program representatives) taught them how courthouse dogs are used in the Second Judicial Circuit. In many instances, Sharon helps comfort children who may need to testify in complex, emotional proceedings and brings smiles to court participants and courthouse staff alike.
Overall, the group enjoyed a forum to share experiences from their courts and connect with their peers over similar challenges and solutions in trial courts statewide.
Turning Points
Awards and Honors
Barbara Goiran, General Magistrate
Sixth Judicial Circuit
Judge Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
Judge Gilberto Perez
Twentieth Judicial Circuit
Judge Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
Barbara Kissner, General Magistrate
Fifth Judicial Circuit
Judge Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
Keith Schenk, General Magistrate
Fifth Judicial Circuit
Judge Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
Maxine Williams, General Magistrate
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Judge Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
Judge Jason J. Nimeth
Fifth Judicial Circuit
Barry University Law School Judicial Excellence Wall of Fame
Lyndsey Siara, Senior Staff Attorney
Sixth Judicial Circuit
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Hillsborough County Bar Association
Judge Rachel Myers
Volusia County Court
Woman of the Year Award
Junior Service League of DeLand
Judge Gordon Murray
Miami-Dade County Court
William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award
Keith DuBose, Eastmoore Crauwels & DuBose, P. A.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit
Lamar Matthews Professionalism Award
Judge Elizabeth Rice
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
Robert W. Patton Outstanding Jurist Award
Hillsborough County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year
Palm Beach County Justice Association
Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year
American Board of Trial Advocates Palm Beach
Judge Keathan B. Frink
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year
American Board of Trial Advocates Fort Lauderdale
Pro Bono Awards
Timothy Allen Moran
Oviedo, FL
2023 Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award
Judge Emeritus A. Jay Cristol
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida
2023 Chief Justice’s Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Award
Chief Judge Ronald Ficarotta
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
2023 Chief Justice’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award
Bilzin Sumberg
2023 Chief Justice’s Law Firm Commendation Award
Haitian Lawyers Association
2023 Chief Justice’s Voluntary Bar Association Award
Irina Shabetayev
Fort Lauderdale, FL
2023 The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award
For a list of The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Awards, visit The Florida Bar’s Website
Appointments December 1, 2022 — April 10, 2023
Judge Steven Warrick
First Judicial Circuit
Judge Jonathan Sacks
Fourth Judicial Circuit
Judge Brooke Brady
Duval County Court
Judge Javier Enriquez
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Judge Jamie L. Tyndal
Hamilton County Court
Judge Richard Martin
Hillsborough County Court
Judge Chad Monty
Lake County Court
Judge Knute Nathe
Pasco County Court
Judge Ryan Felix
Sarasota County Court
Judge John J. Parnofiello
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Judge Stephanie F. Tew
Palm Beach County Court
Judge Christopher Green
Miami-Dade County Court
Judge Joe Boatwright
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge Paige Kilbane
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge John MacIver
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge Adrian G. Soud
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge Jordan Pratt
Fifth District Court of Appeal
Judge Joshua A. Mize
Sixth District Court of Appeal
Judge Jared E. Smith
Sixth District Court of Appeal
Judge Keith F. White
Sixth District Court of Appeal
Around the State: Courts Around the Corner
Lyndsey Siara, General Counsel, Sixth Judicial Circuit, with the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Fort Lauderdale Police Department Homeless Outreach Unit officer Brian Blount and Community Court participant Frank Ngezelonyeon
Students from the Broward College Law Studies program visited the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Courthouse and discussed a career in law with staff attorneys
Students from the Broward College Law Studies program visited the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Courthouse and observed a first appearance and a hearing
Court Staff from the Twentieth Judicial Circuit at the Florida Court Personnel Institute
A legal studies class from Eustis High School visits the Fifth Judicial Circuit
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz with winners of the Mark I. Shames Faculty Leadership Award
6th Circuit Judge Frederick L. Pollack and 13th Judicial Circuit General Magistrate Jon Johnson presenting at the 2023 Marital and Family Law Review Course in January
Judge Kimberly Irving from the Thirty-First Judicial Circuit of Virginia visits the Ninth Judicial Circuit, meeting Chief Judge Lisa Munyon
Ninth Circuit Judges Mikaela Nix-Walker and Alicia Latimore joined in honor of black history month at the Orange County Courthouse
Mediators of the Fifth Judicial Circuit gather to honor Barb Harmon, who has served as a mediator in the circuit for over 20 years
Judges from the First District Court of Appeal heard oral arguments at the Colombia County Courthouse
Judge Jason Nimeth, Fifth Judicial Circuit recognized in the Barry University Law School Hall of Fame