MIRAMAR – Haitian-American Lawyer Lody Jean, who is the Immediate Past President of the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) from 2017 to 2018, was celebrated Friday night for her newly appointed position as a Miami-Dade County Court Judge. She was honored by colleagues, friends, and family at a Congratulatory Reception held at the residence of Kertz Conze, Esq., in Miramar.
Each person in attendance who stood before the gathering to share their enthusiasm for the new ‘Judge Jean’ spoke with positive words and sentiments. Judge Jean was hailed as a respected lawyer, an honored friend, and a voice of temperance and reason in our modern times.
One guest said, “She commanded respect in the judicial sector as a lawyer.” Another stated, “Lody Jean represented her firm with intellectual honesty.”
A former co-worker in one of the firms for which she worked stood before the gathering and said, “She’s been a great colleague, an extraordinary colleague, and a steadfast friend.” Another said, “I feel uniquely blessed to have worked with her the last three years. She is a gifted, gracious person.”
The admiration and respect was palpable, emanating from every corner of the host’s home that evening. Judge Lody Jean clearly impacted people around her, people with whom she worked, other lawyers, and even judges within her circles.
When it came time for her to speak, Judge Jean thanked many of the HLA family members, colleagues and friends who had helped her along the way. She reflected on the position to which she was recently appointed.
“The judge position is the best job in the world because the courts embody the community’s demand that we can and will reach justice when personal disputes or great societal issues arise,” she said.
A few notable figures from the Haitian Community who are part of the legal field applauded Judge Jean’s remarks in the packed room. They included Judge Gordon Murray, the President of the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA), Pedro Gassant, Esq., who emceed the gathering, the President-Elect Altanese Phenelus, Esq., past presidents Patricia Elizée, Esq., Beatrice Cazeau, Esq., and Marie Jo Toussaint, Esq., among others.
Lody Jean was born and raised in Haiti and migrated to Miami, Florida at the age of 18. She was appointed last November to her new position by former Republican Governor Rick Scott to fill a spot opened by Judge Wendell Graham’s retirement. She was selected from among more than a dozen highly qualified candidates.
Judge Jean’s official duties at North Dade Justice Center [ 15555 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL 33160 ], consist of presiding over criminal misdemeanor cases, traffic cases and civil dispute cases where the amount in controversy is less than $15,000.00.
As veteran Judge Fred Seraphin made Miami-Dade history in 2001 by becoming the county’s first Haitian-American judge, (the former assistant public defender was only 43 when he was appointed by then-Gov. Jeb Bush), now, 40-year-old Lody Jean has made history by becoming the first Haitian-American female to hold this position.
Judge Jean earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Miami and her Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas School of Law. For the first eight years of her legal career she was employed as an ASA in Miami-Dade County. She has been in private practice for the past six years handling immigration and criminal defense matters.
The evening was a splendid affair with guests treated to some of the finest Creole appetizers, served compliments of Chef Dominique. The company was friendly and warm, and the mood festive.
As the newly appointed Haitian-American Judge, may Judge Lody Jean serve in this capacity with the same fervor, the same spirit, and the same righteous judgment that has made her such a respected member of the legal profession throughout Southern Florida. We are excited about her new role in Florida’s court system.
D. Ferdinand / Le Floridien
