Judicial Excellence Awards
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015 and presented annually, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, sound judgment, professional ethics, intellectual courage, compassion, and decisiveness. These prestigious awards are bestowed at the annual education programs for each level of the trial court.
2024 Recipients of the Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence:
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Judge Ari Abraham Porth Receives the 2024 Judicial Excellence Award
Judge Ari Abraham Porth
Judge Ari Abraham Porth is the 2024 circuit court recipient of the Chief Justice Judicial Excellence Award, recognizing Judge Porth’s exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and his outstanding contributions to the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County.
Judge Porth has served on the 17th Circuit Court since his appointment in 2013, where he presides over the circuit’s felony mental health court.
Judge Porth’s dedication to improving the court system is evident through his leadership as chair of the 17th Circuit’s Mental Health Task Force and his role as an executive board member of the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges. Judge Porth is also a member of the Florida Judicial Wellness Program Committee and the Justice Unit.
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz commended Judge Porth for his unwavering dedication to the judicial system and his innovative efforts to enhance the mental health court.
“Judge Porth exemplifies the qualities of integrity, fairness, and compassion that this award seeks to honor,” Muñiz said.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Porth served as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County from 1995 to 2012. He was also elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 2004 to 2012. During his time in the legislature, he sponsored landmark legislation mandating insurance coverage for autism therapies.
Judge Porth earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1995 after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science from Northeastern University. He began his career as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.
“Judge Porth is our go-to person for crafting innovative solutions to help those struggling with mental health issues,” said a colleague on the 17th Circuit bench in the nomination. “His deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people who come before him, combined with his legal acumen, make him an invaluable asset to our court and our community.”
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, and sound judgment.
Palm Beach County Court Judge Sherri L. Collins Receives the 2024 Judicial Excellence Award
Judge Sherri L. Collins
Judge Sherri L. Collins of the Palm Beach County Court is the recipient of the 2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence. Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz presented the honor at the annual education program of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida.
Judge Collins joined the Palm Beach County Court bench in 2016 and now serves in the trial division.
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, and sound judgment.
Judge Collins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to improving the administration of justice. Her notable accomplishments include establishing the 15th Judicial Circuit Mental Health Court. She has also taken on important leadership roles, such as volunteering as administrative judge for the Criminal Division and serving as chair for education of the Conference of County Court Judges.
"Judge Sherri L. Collins exemplifies the culture of excellence we strive for in Florida's judiciary,” Chief Justice Muñiz said. “Her dedication to improving the administration of justice, particularly through the establishment of the Mental Health Court and her commitment to judicial education, demonstrates the kind of leadership and public service that strengthens our entire judicial system. Judge Collins' work, both on and off the bench, embodies the qualities of integrity, fairness, and compassion that are essential to maintaining public trust in our courts."
Judge Collins has shown a strong commitment to judicial education through her role in teaching courses at the National Judicial College and various other judicial programs. She has also held numerous leadership positions within the Conference of County Court Judges.
Her commitment to mentorship and fostering the next generation of legal professionals is equally noteworthy. She leads mentorship activities for young lawyers and law students, actively participates in a summer intern program for college students interested in law careers, and spearheads an annual mock trial competition in the circuit. These initiatives demonstrate Judge Collins' ongoing efforts to support and guide aspiring legal professionals, providing them with valuable experience and insights into the judicial system.
Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Collins served as an assistant state attorney in the 16th and 15th judicial circuits. She earned her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law and earned her bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Florida.