For the first time in its 33-year history, the Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court has earned Platinum status, the highest recognition awarded by the National American Inns of Court. The honor comes under the leadership of Jamaican-American Broward County Judge Jackie Powell, who serves as president of the Inn.
The Stephen R. Booher American Inn of Court is a professional legal organization that fosters mentorship, ethics, and excellence among judges, attorneys, and law students in Broward County. Platinum status is the highest recognition given by the National American Inns of Court, awarded for excellence in administration, program development, mentoring, and outreach activities.
Judge Jackie Powell, who made history in 2018 as the first Jamaican American woman elected as a judge in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit, is being recognized not just for breaking barriers—but for raising standards.
The Inns of Court organization evaluates local chapters on criteria such as administration, communication, mentoring, outreach, and program development. While the Booher Inn had maintained gold status for the last four years, this marks its first time reaching the top tier.
“All of us in the 17th Judicial Circuit are so proud of this organization,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips. “We thank the judges, attorneys and students for volunteering their time and commitment to excellence in mentoring and professionalism.”
Under Judge Powell’s leadership, the Inn has expanded its community outreach. In December, members adopted a foster family for the holidays, fulfilled the children’s wish lists, and presented the gifts during a holiday reception.
The Inn’s mentoring efforts also include law students from St. Thomas University’s Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law—ensuring future lawyers benefit from hands-on guidance from seasoned legal professionals.
“I truly believe in the principle of leaving something better than you found it,” said Judge Powell.
The Stephen R. Booher Inn of Court will be recognized at the Inns of Distinction Gala at the U.S. Supreme Court this July—cementing its place among the top legal mentoring organizations in the country and spotlighting Broward County’s commitment to legal excellence.
