Feb 27, 2016
32nd Annual Judicial Reception to Recognize Accomplishments of Three South Florida Judges
From left: Judge Laurel M. Isicoff, Judge Michael A. Hanzman and Judge Bertila A. Soto
The Attorneys’ Division of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation will honor the achievements of three respected South Florida judges – Judge Laurel M. Isicoff, Judge Michael A. Hanzman and Judge Bertila A. Soto – at its 32nd Annual Judicial Reception on Wednesday, March 9, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail.
Judge Isicoff will receive the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her commitment to the ideals of the legal profession and her enthusiastic dedication to community service, both as a lawyer and a judge. After 22 years as a respected bankruptcy litigator and transactional attorney, she was appointed as a bankruptcy judge in the Southern District of Florida, the first woman to be named to the position. In addition to her remarkable record on the bench, Judge Isicoff has shared her knowledge and expertise to benefit the public through such programs as the Bankruptcy Bar Association’s Credit Abuse Resistance Education which teaches high school and college students to live debt free by avoiding the temptations of overspending and easy credit.
Judge Hanzman has been recognized with the 2016 Community Service Award, honoring his record of dedication and activism on behalf of abused, abandoned and neglected children. A prominent commercial litigator for 26 years, he was appointed in 2011 to preside over Division 9 of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit’s Dependency Court. Judge Hanzman is recognized as an advocate of children’s rights, taking on the State of Florida for neglecting its responsibilities on such issues as adoption, mental health services and funding for caregivers of foster children. Beyond his accomplishments on the bench, Judge Hanzman has taken a personal interest in many of the needy children who have appeared before him, and has used his influence and contacts to help them succeed.
Judge Soto will receive the 2016 Honorable Theodore “Ted” Klein Award, which pays tribute to an attorney or judge who has made a profound impact on individuals in the legal community. Her legal career began with three years in the Dade County State Attorney’s Office and four years in private practice before becoming a County Court Judge in 1997. In 2013, Judge Soto became the first woman and first Hispanic to be elected Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. She is greatly admired for her leadership in the judicial community, and for her commitment to positively influence the next generation of legal professionals. Among her many accomplishments, Judge Soto established CourtCare in Criminal Court, a child-care program for parents who need to appear in court, but do not have a babysitter.
Greenberg Traurig Co-President Hilarie Bass and Kozyak Tropin Throckmorton President Harley Tropin are serving as Co-Chairs of the 2016 Judicial Reception.
For reservations, sponsorship opportunities and further information about the 32nd Annual Judicial Reception, contact Emily R. Stone, Esq., Federation’s Director of Commerce and Professions, at [email protected] or at 786.866.8414.
To RSVP, click here.
