Ninth Circuit Court of Florida

06/12/2026

Please save the date and join us for the investiture ceremony for the Honorable Sonia Henriques McDowell, the Honorable Therese A. Savona, and the Honorable Mark A. Skipper. The ceremony will take place on Friday, August 14, at 4 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room at the Orange County Courthouse. To RSVP for the event, visit this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jdb8hmh/lp/0554026f-b610-403b-b363-3235c971bb13.

We hope to see you there!

06/12/2026

Looking for a new career? Join the team at the Ninth! We're hiring multiple positions — check out what's available on our website and apply today: www.ninthcircuit.org

06/11/2026

Congratulations, Judge Jackson, on this well-deserved honor!

🏆 2026 VHFCNBA Trailblazer Award Recipient 🏆

The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association is proud to announce that Judge LaShawnda Jackson has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 VHFCNBA Trailblazer Award.

Judge Jackson's career is defined by a series of groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast commitment to leadership and service. She was the first Black President of both the Orange County Bar Association and the OCBA Young Lawyers Section, and she later served as President of VHFCNBA and the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association, helping to strengthen and expand opportunities for lawyers throughout Florida.

In private practice, Judge Jackson became the first Black attorney promoted to partnership from within her law firm, and in 2024 she was elected to serve as a Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, where she now serves in the Family Law Division.

Through her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the legal profession, Judge Jackson has paved the way for countless attorneys who have followed in her footsteps. Her impact continues to be felt across Florida's legal community and within VHFCNBA.

We are honored to recognize Judge Jackson's pioneering leadership and enduring legacy at the 2026 VHFCNBA Scholarship & Awards Brunch.

📅 June 20, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM Reception | 11:00 AM Brunch Program
📍 Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Join us as we celebrate excellence, honor achievement, and install the 2026–2027 VHFCNBA Board of Directors.

Register: virgilhawkinsnba.com/2026brunch

06/10/2026

Have you ever wondered if you can bring specific items with you when visiting the courthouse? To make your visit easy, we've created a list to help you know what to leave at home or bring with you!

06/09/2026

Judge Strowbridge’s Retirement Ceremony is only a few weeks away! Please join us on Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. at the Orange County Courthouse in the Jury Assembly Room as we celebrate Judge Strowbridge and her upcoming retirement. We hope to see you there! RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7ery6v7

06/05/2026

Hurricane season is officially here and we want to make sure you are prepared. Before a storm hits, make sure to follow these tips! To see a complete checklist of supplies, please visit: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKIh7xleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRUDMwNGVSdElaWFgyaW14AR74X7p968IDrCfNI3MKeYdmP-xIIwqsnqu_W2MFDwG1JQ7jtOxBgLt8l-x4_g_aem_Cm7c35aXUA07xkIKM4mjGA

06/04/2026

A special day at the Florida Supreme Court as Justice Adam Scott Tanenbaum gets sworn in. Watch the investiture ceremony below!

06/03/2026

Over the past few weeks, our judges have welcomed two groups into the Orange County Courthouse for a behind-the-scenes look at the Ninth!

Judge Beasley recently collaborated with the Orange County Clerk of Court, Tiffany Moore Russell, to host a group of participants from Leadership West Orange. To kick off the day, Judge Beasley hosted a Q&A session, shared his journey to the bench, and explained what it's like to be a judge. After tons of great questions, the participants had the chance to explore the 23rd floor and take in the amazing views of Downtown Orlando. The day wrapped up with Clerk Russell, who hosted a working lunch and presentation.

Yesterday, Judge Leach welcomed students from the City of Altamonte Springs Teen Camp for a day full of learning. The students observed several motions, hearings, and sentencings — getting a firsthand look at how the judicial system works. Even though Judge Leach had a busy morning docket, she made sure to answer a few questions from the students and take a picture with them before it was time to leave.

It has been a great few weeks at the Ninth, and our judges always enjoy connecting with both professionals and students in our community!

06/02/2026

Mark your calendars — Judge Strowbridge is retiring! Please join us on Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. at the Orange County Courthouse to celebrate Judge Strowbridge and her contributions to the Ninth. RSVP today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7ery6v7

06/01/2026

Today marks the first day on the bench for our newest judges: Sonia McDowell, David Peters, and Therese Savona. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome to the Ninth!