Adverse Witness
JUDGE BRODIE ANNOUNCEMENT
ADVERSE WITNESS - A PUBLICATION OF THE COLLIER COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION AW
The Henry Latimer Center for Professionalism and the Standing Committee on Professionalism named 20th Circuit Judge Lauren L. Brodie the 2022 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award winner. The award recognizes
In November 2018, Judge Brodie wrote “Suffering in Silence No More” for the News, “because she had been suffering in silence for too long. Realizing how draining the silence was and how her difficult journey as a mom of children with substance abuse and mental-health issues could benefit others struggling, she decided to speak out and share her experience.” Judge Brodie states, “I try to use everything I have learned personally and professionally to help save people from the ravages of mental illness and substance abuse.” As a result of the pandemic, coupled with other pressures, Judge Brodie has seen local attorneys themselves suffering in silence. Out of this concern, she has been a leader in the establishment of the newly formed “Attorney Wellness Initiative,” that features confidential, convenient, and cost-free access to professional psychological services as well as a peer-to-peer network for all Collier County attorneys. “It goes without saying that Judge Brodie is the epitome of professionalism and public service,” according to the Center for Professionalism. “She is committed to the ideals of professionalism in her courtroom and models best practices of civility, competence, and strength of character to anyone who steps in it. She is the embodiment of professionalism in the judiciary.” The William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award, and other professionalism awards, will be presented at Annual Judicial Luncheon June 23 at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek during The Florida Bar Annual Convention.
an active judge who best exemplifies strength of character, service, and competence as a jurist, lawyer, and public servant. “Judge Brodie demonstrates the ideals of professionalism and justice while inspiring others to do the same,” according to the Center for Professionalism. Since 1991, Brodie has been a committed member of the judiciary. She was a Miami-Dade County judge from 1991-1995 and an 11th Circuit judge from 1995-1998 before retiring and relocating to Naples, serving as a senior judge from 1999-2001 until her appointment to the bench in 2001 by Gov. Jeb Bush. “Judge Brodie not only serves the legal community but tirelessly works to improve the community of Collier County as a whole,” the center said. “She received the Chief Justice’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award in 2007 for her efforts in the juvenile justice area. In 2015, the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) selected her as one of six Extraordinary Women Leaders in the State of Florida for her vision, courage, and passion in helping create ‘Drug Free Collier,’ a non-profit organization that aims at uniting the community to protect the children of Collier County from substance abuse. As a judge, she has witnessed first-hand the effects of drugs and mental- health issues in many who appeared before her. The up- and-down spirals generated by drugs and mental health issues is something that many deal with in their lives — either personally or in their family.”
July / August 2022 Vol. 210
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