Caribbean magistrate and judge join board of Black Women Lawyers Association

Two distinguished members of Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, Judge Florence Taylor Barner (Haitian) and Magistrate Hilary Creary (Jamaican), have been sworn in as part of the first-ever Board of Directors for the newly formed Bernice Gaines Dorn Black Women Lawyers Association.

The historic event took place on May 29th at the inaugural installation brunch held at the Marriott Dania Pointe, a sold-out gathering that celebrated the achievements of Black women in law.

The ceremony was officiated by Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock, a Haitian-Dominican member of the judiciary, who administered the oath to the newly appointed board members.

During the event, a panel discussion featuring (retired) Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince and President-Elect of the Florida Bar Sia Baker Barnes captivated the audience. The panel addressed the timely topic of “Honoring Our Past and Shaping the Future,” reflecting on the progress made and the challenges ahead for Black women in the legal profession.

In March, Magistrate Hilary Creary made history as the second Jamaican-American to serve as a Magistrate in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, marking another significant achievement in her career. This accomplishment adds to the growing recognition of her contributions to the legal field.