I have previously griped and complained
about various courthouse-related shortcomings. So, as not to be a complete Debbie Downer,
let me gush and pay homage to some positives. At the RJG, there must be some
strong positives; "this must be the place" where some good goes on;
1. The
kindest, most accommodating jurist anywhere,
Broward Mental Health Judge
"Ari Porth", emerging in his
court room well before
almost anybody else and passing out donuts.
2. Judges that ask lawyers if they can call
their cases out of turn.
3. Munching on Cuban toast in between court sessions.
4. Bailiffs that pass out numbered, jury seating charts.
5. Judges/Judicial Assistants that make their
calendars accessible
and put you
on their docket the very next day.
6. How
well Mindy Glazer ran the felony bond hearings. Sorry to see you go, you
left some big shoes to fill.
7. Last
month’s David Byrne’s “American Utopia” tour at the Filmore South was the
best live show in South Florida in the last 5 years. Why was it so epic? The
former Talking Head re-invented and re-imagined what a concert should and could
be.
8. At
the nearby eatery, Fiesta Salsa’s “Lava
Cabbage salsa” …that’s some tasty condiment!
9. The
Clerk’s employees at the lawyer’s desk; even though they are in an untenable
situation, their pleasantries and initiative help.
10. Litigating something substantial before judges where
they actually
have significant real world and legal
experience;
11. Commemorative plaques for the late attorneys “Sy Gaer”
and
“Richard Sharpstein”; A lot more plaques need to go
up since
we need to honor those that have paved the way.
12. Federal Judge Mark Walker of the Northern District of
Florida,
Tallahassee, what a breath of fresh air in federal
court.
13. How incredibly accommodating the Miami Public
Defender’s Office
has always been to all attorneys.
14. The feeling of successfully convincing a prosecutor to
take
no action on a
flawed arrest.
15. When another lawyer takes over a case that
was nothing
but
aggravation.
16. My wonderful Palm Beach lawyer friends
that stand in
for me
for those West Palm Beach calendar calls.
17. Getting the front row spot in the lawyers’ parking lot.
18. Receiving complete discovery at an arraignment.
19. Stainless steel watches like the Rolex Submariner with
the
green
dial, Patek Phillipe Nautilus with a blue dial and
Omega Speedmaster with
black dial.
20. Being able to call the Broward county jail visitation
desk
and arrange
for your incarcerated clients to be waiting for
you. Walking
into the FDC as your client is already there
waiting for
you is also not too shabby.
21. A reliable and professional bail bondsman.
22. Dealing with brand new, fresh-faced ASAs
that have yet to
be
maligned.
23. Getting into the elevator at the 9th floor
and having it go
down. non-stop.
24. Having two judges fight over you as to who
gets you to try
their case.
25. Getting paid up front.
26. Clerks kind enough to make a certified
copy in the court
room.
27. Courtroom correctional officers that you
can rely on.
28. Yoga pants, fishnet stockings,
form-fitting white pants
and
other apparel that celebrates, accentuates and
complements the body beautiful.
29. Receiving feedback about the presentation
of a tried case
by the
discharged jurors.
30. Watching talented attorneys and learning
from them.
31. A 750 ml bottle of Chimay Blue and
some dark chocolate.
32. Professionalism on all sides of the
criminal justice system.
33. Getting hired to do a bond hearing,
achieving a great
result
and now the client is willing to pay anything for
your
continued representation.
34. Getting a desired verdict early in the day
and taking off
the rest of the day to celebrate.
35. Running into classmates from days past
while you’re in a
court
house; nothing like catching up.
36. First time possession of
cannabis; pass the case 60 days,
no new
arrests...nolle prosse.
37. The euphoria of the night
before a cool vacation starts.
38. Family
