The Honorable Ronald J. Rothschild has served on our joint Board of Directors since 2013 and is completing his third and final term at the end of December. His wisdom, experience and compassion for the clients we serve has been an incredible asset to both the Board and our staff. Judge Ron, as he is frequently called, is a favorite among staff due to his strong interest and support for our legal aid programs. From serving on committees to attending events and fundraisers, Judge Ron has done it all. His involvement in the community is extensive and focuses on seniors and family law topics. He was recognized and honored for this work with the Commitment to Justice Award from Coast to Coast in 2012.
Judge Ron was elected to the County Court Bench in 1990. In June 1998, he was elevated to the Circuit Bench by former Governor Lawton Chiles. He has presided in the Unified Family Court, Circuit Civil Court, Felony, Domestic Violence, Dependency, Misdemeanor and County Civil divisions.
He is also a recipient of the Harvey Ford Leadership Award from the Conference of County Court Judges and received the Stephen R. Booher Memorial Award from the Broward County Bar Association. In 2005, he was named Jurist of the Year by the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He was inducted in the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame in 2016.
Judge Ron graduated from Ohio State University with a B.A. in 1969 and received his J.D. from Cleveland State University in 1974. He was engaged in private practice with Schwartz and Rothschild from 1974-1990. He remains active in various civic and philanthropic organizations, serving on our Board and other Boards of Directors such as The Aging and Disabilities Resource Center.
He retired effective December 31, 2012. As of January 2013, he presided as a Senior Status Judge until December 2015. Since November 2012, Judge Ron became a Florida Supreme Court certified Family Mediator. As of January 1, 2017, he has been fully retired.
Since then, Judge Ron and his wife, Cheri, a retired educator, have traveled extensively as well as enjoying time with their grandchildren.
“In 1974 I was a Certified Legal Intern volunteering for Legal Aid in Cleveland, Ohio. Ever since those law school days, I have supported Legal Aid. It is most fitting that I conclude my legal career in the service of those who cannot afford but require legal assistance by dedicating some of my time to Legal Aid and Coast to Coast Legal Aid,” said Judge Ron.
We sincerely thank Judge Ron for all of his contributions and for his dedication and hard work to ensure access to justice for all!
Call Us at: 954-765-8950 | Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm