Healing through Mediation During a career in private practice, ADR Director Michelle Artman-Smith realized she found greater satisfaction in her work as an advocate for her clients when cases settled in mediation. The mediators were able to get agreements from some of her most high-conflict cases and her clients left mediations content with their decisions. September 18, 2024 Read Full Article
Opportunity for MDs and DOs in Guardianship cases Doctors of medicine (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) are a necessary component in Guardianship proceedings but the Twelfth Judicial Circuit does not have enough physicians to meet the growing need. We have an opportunity that offers physicians another outlet to care for their community by helping protect its most vulnerable citizens in court proceedings. September 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Judge Legler learns to lead by example Lawyering, it seems, is in Sarasota County Judge Kennedy Legler’s DNA: His grandfather and father both practiced in Ohio and Florida for over 30 years, and his dad still practices. “I had two great role models,” he said. “I wanted to be just like them, and I knew from an early age a career in law was in my future.” September 17, 2024 Read Full Article
Don't fall victim to this scam Scammers are targeting people with open court cases and using public records to make the information real enough to make you believe it’s legitimate but it’s not. Please don’t fall for it! July 09, 2024 Read Full Article
Judge Stephen Walker honored with Outstanding Jurist Award Congratulations to Judge Stephen Walker! He was recently recognized with the Meenu T. Sasser Outstanding Jurist Award at The Florida Bar’s annual convention. The honor presented by the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar is given to judges with a reputation for sound judicial decisions, an unblemished record of integrity as a lawyer and judge, and a willingness to assist young lawyers. June 27, 2024 Read Full Article
Assistant PD genuinely moved by professionalism award Congratulations to assistant public defender Layron J. Gaither, who was presented with the Jim Slater Professionalism Award by Chief Judge Diana Moreland on behalf of the judges of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. June 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Clerk's mobile app helps users access services on the go Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller has announced the launch of a new mobile app that provides customers a convenient way to access services offered by the Clerk's office. June 26, 2024 Read Full Article
Circuit gearing up for annual process server renewal period The application period to become a certified process server in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit begins Monday, July 1, 2024. Applicants must complete the online application, provide the application fee and upload all necessary documents between July 1, 2024, and August 31, 2024, to be approved for the certification period of September 1, 2024-August 31, 2025. June 24, 2024 Read Full Article
Treatment Court has several reasons to celebrate Graduates of Manatee County’s Treatment Court programs addressed the Board of County Commissioners on May 14th, after the Board proclaimed the month of May as National Drug Court Month. Court leaders and Treatment Court staff had another reason to celebrate. Read more to find out why. May 23, 2024 Read Full Article
May means Opioid Awareness Month in Florida's Courts In a proclamation issued April 30, 2024, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz proclaimed that in the State Courts System, May 2024 shall be a month to recognize the contributions of problem-solving courts and Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorder Awareness Month. May 09, 2024 Read Full Article