Volume 4: October - December 2025
Table of Contents
Featured Stories
- Hon. Danielle Sherriff Elevated to Circuit Court Bench
- Hon. Michael Barnett Appointed to County Court Bench
Highlighting the Judiciary
- Hon. Charles Burton Administers New Attorney Oath
- Judges & Magistrates Attend 42nd Annual Red Mass Event
- Hon. Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Hon. Charles Burton Participate in Probate Event
- Judges Participate in New Attorney Welcome Breakfast
- Judges & Court Administration Staff Participate in Annual 5K
- Judges Participate in Bench & Barrister Tennis Event
- Hon. Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Hon. Charles Burton Participate in Estate Probate CLE Event
- Hon. Carolyn Bell Presents During Professionalism Event
- Hon. Maxine Cheesman Named Recipient of the Judicial Official Award and Jurist of the Year
- Judges & Magistrates Attend Cyber Security Training
- Hon. Bradley Harper Visits Lake Worth High School
- Ethical Governance Day at Forest Hill High School
- Hon. Danielle Sherriff Presented with Florida Conference Plaque
Around the Circuit
- Welcome Ashlyn Darden as New General Counsel
- Employee Appreciation Week
- Court Administration Staff Attend Florida Court Public Information Officers (FCPIO) Conference
Around the Circuit (cont.)
- Employment Recruitment at Eleventh Judicial Circuit
- Veterans Court 15 Year Anniversary Event
- Court Administration Staff attend Administrative Services Training Conference
- Career Day at Franklin Academy
- "Thanks for Giving" Pie Party & Holiday Food Drive
- National Adoption Day
- Judicial Assistants' Holiday Party
- Palm Beach County Career Fair
- Annual Holiday Luncheon
- Therapy Dogs Visit Main Courthouse
Main Courthouse Tours
- Wellington Bay Senior Living
- Palm Beach Gardens High School
- West Jupiter Classical Conversations
- Advent Lutheran School
- Atlantic Christian University
Staff Events
- Lunch & Learns
- New Employee Orientations
- New Hires | Employees on the Move
- Retirements
New or Updated Administrative Orders
Featured Stories
Hon. Danielle Sherriff Elevated to Circuit Court Bench
On December 2, the Honorable Danielle Sherriff was elevated to the Circuit Court Bench by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Judge Sherriff was first appointed as a County Court Judge in 2023 by Governor DeSantis. Prior to her appointment as judge, Judge Sherriff served as the Senior Litigation Attorney for the Palm Beach County School District; as an Associate at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC; and as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Florida International University and her juris doctor from Florida State University.
Hon. Michael Barnett Appointed to County Court Bench
On December 2, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Michael Barnett to the County Court Bench.
Michael Barnett worked as a personal injury lawyer with the Shiner Law Group from 2017 up until his appointment. Actively engaged in the community, Judge Barnett served as a member of the Palm Beach State College District Board of Trustees since February 2025 and previously served as a Palm Beach County Commissioner, a member of the Medical Examiners Commission, and a member of the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority.
Barnett earned his associate degree from Palm Beach State College, his bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, and his juris doctor from the University of Miami.
Highlighting the Judiciary
Hon. Charles Burton Administers New Attorney Oath
On October 3, Judge Charles Burton administered the new attorney oath to Blake Kahn. Blake, now a Trial Court Staff Attorney with the Circuit, is the daughter of Probate Case Manager Diane Kahn.
Judges & Magistrates Attend 42nd Annual Red Mass Event
On October 5, more than a dozen of our judges and magistrates attended the 42 Annual Red Mass Event hosted by the Guild of Catholic Lawyers of the Diocese of Palm Beach, which honored local judges, attorneys and legal professionals.
Pictured (l to r, back row): Judges James Nutt, Donald Hafele, Lauren Burke, James Martz and 4th DCA Judge Caroline Shepherd.
Pictured (l to r, front row): Judges James Sherman, Santo DiGangi, Katherine Mullinax, Laura Burkhart, Rosemarie Scher, Magistrate Diane Kirigin, Judges Cymonie Rowe, Danielle Sherriff, 4 DCA Judge Shannon Shaw and Judge Dina Keever-Agrama
Hon. Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Hon. Charles Burton
Participate in Probate Event
On October 24, Judges Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Charles Burton participated in the Estate Plans, Wills and Summary Administration seminar hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County at Palm Beach State College.
Judge Feuer served as Keynote Speaker and Judge Burton participated in a Probate Judge's Forum, where they both spoke to a group of attorneys, paralegals, legal staff and students.
Judges Participate in New Attorney Welcome Breakfast
On November 5, several of the Circuit's judges participated in the annual New Attorney Welcome Breakfast event which was hosted by the Palm Beach County Bar Association, with the assistance of General Counsel, Ashlyn Darden.
The event included welcome remarks from Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, panel discussions and a Q&A session, as well an opportunity for attendees to network and learn more about the local volunteer bar associations.
Judges April Bristow, Daliah Weiss, Danielle Sherriff and Samantha Schosberg Feuer served on the panel and participated in the Q&A sessions
Judges & Court Administration Staff Participate in Annual 5K
On November 8, a few of the Circuit's judges and Court Administration staff took some strides and participated in the Palm Beach County Bar Association's Young Lawyers Section's 10 Annual YLS 5K - Run for Veterans Rights at Okeeheelee Park.
Pictured: Judicial Assistant Kim Wolf, Judge Katherine Mullinax, Court Software Training Specialist Sharelle McCoy, Judicial Assistant Marsha McClendon, Chief Judge Glenn Kelley, Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer, Judicial Assistant Monique Harris and Chief of Personnel Services William Hutchings, Jr
Judges Participate in Bench & Barrister Tennis Event
On November 8, the South Palm Beach County Bar Association hosted their 16 Annual Bench & Barrister Tennis Tournament in Boca Raton, where a little friendly competition among the legal community was on display.
Judges Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Ori Silver served as the event's Honorary Judiciary Chairs. Judges Caryn Siperstein and Laura Burkhart also participated in the event.
Hon. Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Hon. Charles Burton Participate in Estate Probate CLE Event
On November 13, Judges Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Charles Burton participated in a panel discussion during the Palm Beach County Bar Association's "The Do's and Don'ts of Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts."
Hon. Carolyn Bell Presents During Professionalism Event
On November 14, the Palm Beach County Bar Association's Professionalism Committee hosted the "Level Up: The Attorney's Guide to Practicing with Professionalism" event, which included a presentation from Judge Carolyn Bell on professionalism standards and expectations.
Hon. Maxine Cheesman Named Recipient of the Judicial Official Award
and Jurist of the Year
On November 15, the Honorable Maxine Cheesman received the Judicial Official Award from the Jamaican American Bar Association during their Grand Gala and Awards Ceremony. Judge Cheesman also served as the event's keynote speaker.
On November 20, Judge Cheesman was awarded the Jurist of the Year Award by the Palm Beach County Justice Association at their Jurist of the Year and Member Award Ceremony.
The Circuit congratulates Judge Cheesman on her honors and is grateful for her service to the citizens of Palm Beach County.
Judges & Magistrates Attend Cyber Security Training
Many of our judges and magistrates attended a cyber security training offered by the Circuit's Human Resources department on December 1.
The training was presented by Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Detective, Daniel SackieMensah. Mr. Sackie-Mensah provided steps to ensure that one's personal information is kept off of the dark web. The presentation focused on avoiding scams, password security, and ways to enhance one's personal security.
Hon. Bradley Harper Visits Lake Worth High School
On December 5, Judge Bradley Harper visited Lake Worth High School, where he spoke to the Criminal Justice Academy students. The students learned of Judge Harper's career journey and current role as a judge.
Ethical Governance Day at Forest Hill High School
On December 12, Judges Samantha Schosberg Feuer and Danielle Sherriff participated in the Ethical Governance Day event held at Forest Hill High School. During their visit, they spoke to groups of sophomore AP Government students.
Hon. Danielle Sherriff Presented with Florida Conference Plaque
On December 22, the Honorable Keathan Frink, the Fourth District Court of Appeals representative for the Circuit Court Conference, visited the main courthouse to present Judge Danielle Sherriff with a Circuit Court plaque on behalf of the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges, after her recent elevation to the Circuit Court bench by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Around the Circuit
Welcome Ashlyn Darden as New General Counsel
Ashlyn Darden was selected to serve as the Circuit's General Counsel and began her duties on October 1, 2025.
Prior to her employment as General Counsel, Ms. Darden served both as a staff attorney then supervising staff attorney with the Circuit; and was employed as a Legal Advisor to the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.
Ms. Darden obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Florida.
Employee Appreciation Week
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit celebrated its annual Employee Appreciation Week October 13-17, 2025. The week honors the contributions of the Circuit's judicial assistants and court staff.
The weeklong celebration kicked off on October 13 with a breakfast, years of service ceremony, and a presentation from a cyber security expert. Many events took place over the entire week including educational games, food trucks and other team building events.
Court staff and judicial assistants are an essential part of the Courts and contribute greatly by providing assistance to our judges with the goal of operating an efficient and effective judicial system. The Circuit is grateful for their hard work, professionalism and commitment.
Court Administration Staff Attend Florida Court Public Information
Officers (FCPIO) Conference
Melissa Sotillo, Director of Administrative Services and Richalyn Miller, Public Information Officer, attended the Florida Court Public Information Officers, Inc. conference held October 15-17 in St. Augustine, FL.
The conference, which brings together the PIOs and other court administration staff from all 20 Florida Circuits, provided attendees with engaging and insightful sessions related to the theme of "Changing Media and Public Perception," including the role of court communications, community outreach, new media and AI, media strategies for high profile cases and more.
Employment Recruitment at Eleventh Judicial Circuit
On October 21, 2025 William Hutchings, Jr., Chief of Personnel Services and Melissa Sotillo, Director of Administrative Services represented the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Miami at the Eleventh Judicial Circuit during the OSCA Certification Exams held for those seeking to become Court Certified Interpreters.
In between testing, prospective interpreters met with our staff and received information on employment opportunities with the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
Employment Recruitment at CareerReady Career Fair
William Hutchings, Jr., Chief of Personnel Services and Kira Mendez, Human Resources Payroll Associate, represented the Fifteenth Circuit at CareerReady's Graduation and Career Fair on November 1, 2025. During the event, they were able to meet with high school seniors and provide information on internship and employment opportunities with the Circuit.
Veterans Court 15 Year Anniversary Event
On November 3, 2025, many gathered to celebrate the Fifteenth Circuit's Veterans Court 15-year anniversary. The event featured remarks from distinguished speakers, acknowledgement and honoring of Veterans Court mentors and volunteers, as well as a special honor to Retired Judge Ted Booras, for whom the Court has been named after.
The establishment of Veterans Court in 2010 was championed by former Chief Judge Peter Blanc in partnership with now retired Judge Ted Booras. Judge Booras, who previously served as a Marine, presided over the court from its inception until his retirement in early 2025. The success of the Court continues under the Honorable Darren Shull, who previously served as a Marine, and who was assigned as the presiding Judge of Veterans Court in February 2025.
Court Administration Staff attend Administrative Services Training Conference
In November, several court staff attended the Office of the State Courts Administrator training in Kissimmee, Florida. The training consisted of a series of sessions focused on topics relevant to the State Courts system. Court staff were able to attend sessions related to finance and accounting; general and legal services; and best practices for human resources. Staff from the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit included Ashlyn Darden, General Counsel; Tina Douglas, HR Specialist; Justin Forest, Human Resources Manager; Adrione Gibbs, Accountant IV; William Hutchings, Jr., Chief of Personnel Services; Rhoda Jones, Administrative Services Manager; and Stefanie Thomas, Budget Manager.
Career Day at Franklin Academy
Career Day at Franklin Academy was held on November 7, 2025. The Court Team who presented at Career Day consisted of the Hon. Katherine Mullinax; Melissa Sotillo, Director of Administrative Services; Arielle Frank, Trial Court Staff Attorney, Daniel Fontilien, Certified Creole Interpreter; and Christina Chappa, Systems Administrator I. Judge Mullinax explained the function of the Court and each Team member explained their role in assisting the judiciary. The information was well received.
"Thanks for Giving" Pie Party & Holiday Food Drive
During the month of November, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit held its annual holiday food drive to assist local families in need. In celebration of the successful food drive (approximately 971 lbs of food was donated), Trial Court Administrator (TCA), Barbara Dawicke, and the Circuit Directors held their annual "Thanks for Giving" event. The event is a dessert party whereby the TCA and the Directors donate pies or make desserts to serve the Judicial Assistants and Court Staff as a way of thanking them for their service to the Circuit. Many judges, judicial assistants and staff attended and were served a "thank you" piece of pie.
National Adoption Day
On November 21, the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit hosted its annual Adoption Day. The event takes place annually during November's National Adoption Month. The Circuit has held the event for the past 15 years. Ten families were present to adopt a child or children. Prior to the hearing on the adoption, the families were treated to a reception with family-friendly events including interactions with therapy dogs.
Chief Judge Glenn Kelley and Judge Kathleen Kroll, Administrative Judge of Juvenile, provided opening remarks. Larry Rein, CEO and President of ChildNet introduced broadcasting icon Jim Sackett, who presented the 2025 Jim Sackett Adoption Advocate Award to Lisa Murphy, adoptive parent and Founder and CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans. Judge Kroll and Judge Lisa Small then presided over the individual adoption proceedings.
Judicial Assistants' Holiday Party
Festive cheer was in full swing on December 5, 2025 as the Fifteenth Circuit Judicial Assistants Association hosted a holiday party. A chance to gather and celebrate the holidays, the event included a delicious food spread and a chance to unwrap a few presents.
Palm Beach County Career Fair
Justin Forest, Human Resources Manager and Kira Mendez, Human Resources Payroll Associate represented the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit at Palm Beach County's first ever Career Fair on December 10, 2025. During the event, they spoke to attendees about available employment opportunities with the Circuit.
Annual Holiday Luncheon
Oh what fun it was to celebrate the holidays at the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. On December 12, 2025, the Circuit held its annual Holiday Luncheon for judges, judicial assistants and Court Administration staff. Chief Judge Glenn Kelley and Trial Court Administrator Barbara Dawicke provided welcome remarks to those in attendance.
Attendees enjoyed delicious food and live entertainment featuring Richalyn Miller, PIO and singer; Stephanie Patty, Librarian Assistant and singer; and a trombone duet by County Judge Santo DiGangi and Chief of Personnel, William Hutchings, Jr,. A fun and festive time was had by all.
Therapy Dogs Visit Main Courthouse
On December 19, 2025, the therapy dogs paid a visit to the main courthouse and provided cheer to Circuit and Clerk employees. These visits are just one of the many offerings from the Circuit's Health and Wellness Committee, which aims to provide activities and informative resources to employees that encourage wellness and positive mental health.
Main Courthouse Tours
Wellington Bay Senior Living
On October 8, 2025, residents from Wellington Bay Senior Living paid a visit to the main courthouse. During their visit, they were able to observe the courtrooms of Judges Reid Scott II and Scott Suskauer, tour a holding cell, the jury room and Law Library and Self-Service Center.
Palm Beach Gardens High School
On November 12, 2025, students from Palm Beach Gardens High School paid a visit to the main courthouse. During their visit, they were able to observe the courtrooms of Judges Jaimie Goodman and Cymonie Rowe, tour the Law Library and Jury Room and observe a PBSO K9 Demonstration.
West Jupiter Classical Conversations
On December 3, 2025, students from the West Jupiter Classical Conversations group paid a visit to the main courthouse. During their visit, they were able to observe the courtrooms of Judges Danielle Sherriff and Stephanie Tew, and observe a PBSO K9 Demonstration.
Advent Lutheran School
On December 10, 2025, students from the Advent Lutheran School paid a visit to the main courthouse. During their visit, they were able to observe the courtrooms of Judges John Parnofiello and April Bristow, and observe a PBSO K9 Demonstration.
Atlantic Christian University
On December 12, 2025, students from Atlantic Christian University paid a visit to the main courthouse. During their visit, Chief Judge Glenn Kelley and Public Defender Daniel Eisinger spoke to the group of students. The students were also able to observe a PBSO K9 Demonstration.
Staff Events
Lunch & Learns
October 2025: How to Escape a Sinking Vehicle On October 28, 2025, judicial assistants and court administration staff attended the Lunch & Learn presented by Anna Stewart, Manager of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. Attendees received valuable and life-saving tips on vehicle and water safety.
New Employee Orientations
During this quarter, new employee orientations were held in October and December 2025. During the courses, employees were introduced to the Circuit's Mission and Vision, Core Competencies, the structure of the judicial branch, and their role as officers of the Court.
New Hires | Employees on the Move
October 2025
William Ferguson, Trial Court Staff Attorney;
Elizabeth Urquiola, Administrative Assistant III;
Shantel McLendon, Family Mediator;
Kaden Bartczak, Digital Court Reporter;
Losha Soriano, Spanish Court Interpreter;
Karthik Kallu, Senior Programmer
November 2025
Blake Kahn, Trial Court Staff Attorney;
Karla Dampier, Judicial Assistant to Judge Danielle Sherriff;
Gabriella DeSabato, Juvenile Court Case Manager;
December 2025
Caitlin Adams, Trial Court Staff Attorney;
Hon. Michael Barnett, appointed to the County Bench;
Sarah-Lyse Exume, Administrative Technician III
Judge & Employees on the Move/Position Reclassified
October 2025
Ashlyn Darden, General Counsel;
Mia Williams, Supervising Trial Court Staff Attorney
December 2025
Hon. Danielle Sherriff, elevated to the Circuit Bench;
Karla Dampier, Judicial Assistant, Circuit Court;
Kira Mendez, Administrative Assistant III;
Christina Chappa, Systems Administrator I;
Yerald Leiva, Systems Administrator II
Retirements
October 2025
Nancy Fisher, Scopist
November 2025
Karen Keogh, Administrative Technician III
New and Updated Administrative Orders
The following AOs were updated or entered October - December 2025 (most recent to oldest):
| Date Issued | Number | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 12/31/2025 | 4.202 | Schedule of Bonds |
| 12/16/2025 | 11.106 | Alternate Assignments |
| 12/15/2025 | 12.504 | County Canvassing Board |
| 12/15/2025 | 11.104 | Seniority Listing Of Judges |
| 12/15/2025 | 2.101 | Preparation and Distribution of Administrative Orders |
| 12/4/2025 | 5.802 | Parental Notice of Abortion - Judicial Waiver |
| 11/14/2025 | 2.702 | Return of Service Form |
| 11/14/2025 | 2.503 | Court Reporting Services |
| 11/5/2025 | 11.108 | Duty Judge/Emergencies |
| 10/22/2025 | 4.912 | Creation of Division BUI |
| 10/20/2025 | 4.911 | Misdemeanor Competency |
| 10/17/2025 | 5.104 | UFC Magistrates |
| 10/16/2025 | 4.101 | Administrative Procedures in |
Credits
The Circuit Courier is published by the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Glenn Kelley, Chief Judge
Barbara Dawicke, Trial Court Administrator
Richalyn Miller, Public Information Officer
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