Broward jurists elect Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips as new chief judge

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips: ‘I am truly honored and humbled by the tremendous support from the judges in the 17th Judicial Circuit.’
Broward Circuit Court Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips will serve as the The 17th Judicial Circuit’s next chief judge.
Her fellow jurists unanimously elected her February 3 to the position, which carries a two-year term. Judge Phillips ran unopposed.

Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips and Chief Judge Jack Tuter
“I am truly honored and humbled by the tremendous support from the judges in the 17th Judicial Circuit,” Judge Phillips said on Monday. Phillips is currently the administrative judge for the Circuit Civil Division.
Judge Phillips will assume the duties of chief judge on July 1, replacing outgoing Chief Judge Jack Tuter, whose two-year term expires on June 30. Judge Tuter will have served eight years as chief judge by the time he steps down.
“Judge Phillips is well-liked, hard-working and will serve the circuit with distinction,” Tuter said. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations.”
Judge Phillips has served the 17th Judicial Circuit since 2003, when she was appointed to the bench by then Gov. Jeb Bush to complete the term of Judge James Cohn, who was elevated to the federal bench. She was subsequently elected in 2006, then re-elected in 2012, 2018, and 2024.
Judge Phillips is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law and the University of Florida.