The 17th Judicial Circuit Court announced that the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Fort Lauderdale Chapter has named Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock its 2025 Jurist of the Year. ABOTA also presented Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson with its President’s Award.
Both judges were honored Jan. 15 during ABOTA’s 2025 Installation and Awards Ceremony at the Lauderdale Yacht Club.
“The 17th Judicial Circuit is incredibly proud of Judge Fabienne E. Fahnestock for being named the 2025 Jurist of the Year by the American Board of Trial Advocates,” Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips said. “We also extend our sincere congratulations to Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson on receiving the President’s Award. Both honors are a testament to their dedication and service to our judiciary.”
According to ABOTA, the Jurist of the Year Award recognizes a member of the bench who fosters the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy.
Judge Fahnestock was selected by the membership of the American Board of Trial Advocates’ Fort Lauderdale Chapter for her commitment to upholding the highest standards of civility and professionalism in the courtroom, both in her expectations of attorneys and through her own judicial demeanor.
“Our members selected Judge Fahnestock for this award because we believe she embodies the best of what the 17th Judicial Circuit has to offer,” said Miles A. McGrane IV, president of the ABOTA Fort Lauderdale Chapter.
The President’s Award recognizes extraordinary contributions and dedication to advancing ABOTA’s mission.
“It is a privilege to receive this award from ABOTA, one of the most prestigious legal organizations,” Judge Levenson said. “Recognition from attorneys I respect so deeply is especially meaningful.”
According to ABOTA’s website, “Justice by the People” is the advocacy group’s primary mission. ABOTA seeks to improve the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy to more effectively represent litigants.
