Broward County Circuit Judge Michael A. Robinson has been honored with the prestigious Justice Peggy A. Quince Judicial Excellence Award for his exceptional contributions to the fair administration of justice.
The award, presented by the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association, recognizes Judge Robinson’s dedication to equity, fairness, and the rule of law.
The award ceremony took place on November 22 at the FAMU College of Law in Orlando, Florida. Robinson, a Plantation resident, has served in the judiciary since 2007 when he was appointed General Magistrate. In 2010, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Circuit Court, where he currently presides over Civil Court cases.
“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Judge Robinson. “Members of the judiciary must follow the law and make rulings accordingly. We are gladiators for justice, equity, and fairness for all. We must maintain and support the rule of law.”
Chief Judge Jack Tuter praised Robinson’s commitment to judicial independence and diversity, calling the award a “consequential achievement.” “Judge Robinson’s work on the independence and diversity of the judiciary is never-ending. There is no judge in this state more deserving of this recognition,” Tuter said.
Judge Robinson’s impact extends far beyond the courtroom. Benjamin J. Garcia, president of the Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association, described Robinson’s influence on South Florida as “profound and positive.” In his letter announcing the award, Garcia wrote, “Your tireless efforts in multiple areas of the law have set a standard of excellence, and your impact has been felt far beyond the courtroom.”
Robinson’s achievements include receiving the Judicial Diversity Initiative Award in 2022 for his efforts to promote diversity in the legal profession and on the bench. He also earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Broward County Black Pan-Hellenic Council in 2021, along with numerous honors from organizations such as the Broward Bar Association, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association, the Haitian Bar Association, and the Caribbean Bar Association.
The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Broward County, is the second-largest circuit court in Florida, with 90 judges across four courthouses, including the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. Robinson’s leadership continues to make him an integral part of the Broward County judicial community and a widely respected figure in the legal profession.
