JUDICIAL CORNER
JUDICIAL CORNER
Judge Ori Feistmann Silver
LAURA STARR
ROGER FEICHT
Judge Silver was born in New York but considers herself a native Floridian having moved to Palm Beach County with her family at age 4 . “ She attended Palm Beach County schools from elementary school through high school , where she attended Jewish Community Day School , now known as Meyer Preparatory School , and graduated from Palm Beach Lakes High School . From there , Judge Silver became a “ double gator ” spending seven years in Gainesville at the University of Florida (“ UF ”) where she attended both undergraduate and law school . Judge Silver spent two years rowing for the UF crew team . Being fond of Gainesville , it was the logical choice for Judge Silver to stay and attend law school . Her decision to remain in Gainesville was swayed by the fact that her brother was also attending undergraduate and medical school at UF during the same time .
From an early age , Judge Silver knew that she wanted to be a trial lawyer . She followed that dream to reality and became a Broward County Prosecutor immediately upon graduation from law school and remained as an Assistant State Attorney for 20 years . During her tenure as a Broward County prosecutor , Judge Silver was able to conduct over 100 jury trials . After five years of handling criminal cases ranging from drug trafficking to domestic violence , she found her passion prosecuting elder abuse cases . It was in this capacity that Judge initiated the Broward County Elder Abuse Task Force where she prosecuted cases for the next 15 years until she was appointed to the bench . The Task Force was established to coordinate efforts between different agencies that provide services to elders and nursing homes with law enforcement . The Task Force also facilitated spot checks of nursing homes and provided specialized training to law enforcement while prosecuting offenders .
father-in-law , and two brother in-laws are also attorneys . Being a public servant and career prosecutor also runs in Judge Silver ’ s family as both her mother and sister are lifelong prosecutors . Judge Silver and her sister were even able to try cases together . Judge Silver ’ s mother has been a prosecutor with the Palm Beach County State Attorney ’ s office for decades .
In addition to her busy legal career , Judge Silver has an active family life with a husband and three children . She also has three siblings . In her limited spare time Judge Silver , who loves Florida history , takes pleasure in reading to her sons from books such as Harvey Oyer ’ s series – “ The Adventures of Charlie Pierce .” Prior to college Judge Silver played junior competitive tennis . It is therefore no coincidence that two of her three sons followed in her footsteps and also play competitive tennis ( while her third son prefers soccer ).
Since ascending to the bench , Judge Silver has presided over numerous jury trials . As a judge , she loves seeing the great quality of lawyers in the State Attorneys ’ and Public Defenders ’ offices as well as local practitioners . While she admires the courtroom acumen of trial lawyers who come before her , Judge Silver takes pleasure in helping new lawyers on both sides with tips to help them prepare their cases and hone their skills . For the public that comes before Judge Silver , she places a high priority on making everyone feel that they are treated fairly – even the criminal defendants are encouraged by Judge Silver to understand and appreciate that their voices are heard . On behalf of the Palm Beach County Bar Association , we welcome Judge Silver and look forward to her contribution to the Palm Beach County legal community .
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Finding a lawyer in Judge Silver ’ s family is not difficult because her mother , sister ,
PBCBA BAR BULLETIN 16