WHO DO YA LOVE?

    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 9^th 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