Circuit to receive three new judicial positions

Court leaders are excited to announce that with Governor DeSantis finalizing the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget, we are on track to welcome a new county judge in Manatee and two new circuit judges to the bench. All three positions will be appointed by the governor, so we encourage attorneys to apply when the Judicial Nominating Committee convenes.

Local art adorns hallway in updated exhibit

Judges and members of the Manatee County Bar Assocation mingled with local artists at a recent art exhibition at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Guests enjoyed light refreshments while viewing the latest installation of art by the Westminster Point Pleasant Neighborhood residents.

Process Server application period runs now through Aug. 31

The application period to become a certified process server in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit begins today. Applicants must complete the online application, provide the application fee and upload all necessary documents between July 1 and August 31, 2025, to be approved for the certification period of September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.

Judges, Sarasota Bar honor scholarship recipient

Judges Kevin Bruning, Rochelle Curley, Stephen Walker and Charles Williams, along with members of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) Council for Diversity and Inclusion recently attended a reception to honor the 2025 Richard R. Garland Scholarship recipient, Aryione’ Bass.

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Magistrates needed in Sarasota

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking licensed attorneys to fill two magistrate positions in Sarasota County: a family magistrate in Venice and a civil magistrate in Sarasota. These quasi-judicial officers are responsible for conducting hearings, entering recommended orders to the family or civil judge and presiding over Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings.

When one rises, we all rise

Every day, courtrooms across the United States are filled with individuals impacted by substance use and mental health disorders. Without treatment to address the underlying cause of criminal behavior, many people cycle in and out of the justice system. Problem-solving courts aim to break the cycle by holding individuals accountable through a combination of treatment and judicial supervision.

Law Day celebrates promise of Constitution: Out of many, one

May 1st is the day we celebrate the rule of law. This year's theme, "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One," reminds us that "We, the people" must work together every day to fulfill that promise. To mark the day, we asked legal professionals what the rule of law means to them, how lawyers protect individual rights in our community, and what citizens can do to fulfill the promise of “E pluribus unum,” out of many, one.