The 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County is a busy place. If you've ever stepped into the courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, you know the vibe: it's a mix of high-stakes tension and routine bureaucratic hum. In the middle of all that is Broward Judge Jessica Marra, a name that popped up on a lot of radars back in 2023 when Governor Ron DeSantis tapped her to fill a seat left vacant by a local legend.
She isn't just another name on a ballot or a face in a black robe. Her path to the bench and the way she handles her courtroom actually tells you a lot about where Broward’s legal system is heading.
Who is Broward Judge Jessica Marra?
Basically, she’s a South Florida native who didn’t just wander into the judiciary. Marra is Cuban-American and a native Spanish speaker, which matters a ton in a county as diverse as Broward. Before she was "The Honorable," she was a partner at Kelley Kronenberg, a pretty big deal law firm where she spent about a decade.
You’ve got to look at her time as an Assistant State Attorney, too. She spent years prosecuting serious crimes, which is where most people think she got that "tough but fair" reputation. Honestly, she wasn't just pushing paper. She was in the trenches, trying cases to verdict and learning exactly how the system can break—and how to fix it.
She replaced Judge Patti Henning. Now, that’s a tough act to follow. Henning was the longest-serving judge in Florida at the time she retired. Stepping into that role is like being the person who has to replace a Hall of Fame quarterback. People are watching.
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The Family Court Grind
Currently, Judge Marra is assigned to the Family Division. If you think being a judge is all about high-profile murder trials, you're looking at the wrong room. Family court is heavy. We're talking:
- Paternity disputes that get ugly fast.
- Domestic violence injunctions where safety is on the line.
- Divorces that have been dragging on for years.
- Child support and time-sharing battles.
She handles over 1,000 cases. That is a staggering number. Imagine trying to give every single one of those people the attention they deserve while the clock is ticking and the docket is overflowing. It's a high-pressure environment where emotions are always at a boiling point.
Why Her Background Matters
Most people just see the robe. But Marra’s life outside the courtroom is what seems to drive her perspective. She’s a "Heart Mom." Her daughter, Charlotte, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome—basically half a heart.
That’s not just a "nice-to-know" fact. It’s a core part of her identity. Going through three open-heart surgeries with your kid and dealing with neurological challenges changes how you see people in crisis. When a family walks into her courtroom in total shambles, she’s not just looking at them as Case Number XYZ. She knows what "resilience" actually looks like.
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Professional Milestones
- 2011: Graduated cum laude from Nova Southeastern University (SBA President).
- 2014: Joined Kelley Kronenberg after her stint as a prosecutor.
- 2021: Named "Top 40 Under 40" by the Broward County Bar Association.
- 2023: Appointed to the Circuit Court bench.
- 2024: Ran for re-election to maintain her seat in Group 18.
Her husband, Marc Marra, is also a heavy hitter in the legal world, focusing on real estate law. They’re kinda like a Broward legal power couple, both being active in the Hispanic Bar Association.
Navigating the 2024 Election
Being an appointed judge is one thing. Staying there is another. In 2024, Broward Judge Jessica Marra had to defend her seat. In Florida, circuit judges are elected in nonpartisan races. Even though she was appointed by a Republican governor, the judicial races are supposed to stay out of the partisan mud-slinging.
She faced a write-in challenger, Andres Chaves Sanz. For the most part, her campaign was about experience and continuity. When you’ve already been doing the job for a year and have the backing of the legal community, it’s a strong position to be in. People generally don't like to swap out judges unless there's a huge scandal or a major lack of competence.
What to Expect in Her Courtroom
If you ever find yourself in front of her, keep it professional. She’s known for being methodical. Her background in insurance defense and general liability means she has a sharp eye for detail. She isn't someone who’s going to let a messy filing slide.
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She speaks Spanish fluently. In Broward, that is a superpower. It allows her to understand the nuances of a testimony that might get lost in translation with a court-appointed interpreter. It builds a level of trust with the community that’s hard to replicate.
A Quick Reality Check
Look, no judge is perfect. The legal system is slow, and family court is often frustrating for everyone involved. Some people will always leave a courtroom feeling like they got the short end of the stick. But the general consensus among Broward attorneys is that Marra is prepared. She reads the motions. She knows the law.
Actionable Insights for Broward Residents
If you’re dealing with a case in the 17th Circuit or just trying to stay informed, here’s what you actually need to do:
- Check the Division Rules: Every judge has their own "flavor" of how they run their room. Check the 17th Circuit website for Judge Marra’s specific requirements for hearings and evidence.
- Keep it Civil: Especially in family law, the "scorched earth" policy rarely works in front of a judge who values resilience and practical solutions.
- Stay Involved in Judicial Elections: Most people skip the bottom of the ballot. Don't. These judges have more direct impact on your daily life than almost any other elected official.
- Verify the Docket: You can search the Broward Clerk of Courts website to see the status of cases or even look at the types of rulings coming out of her division.
Broward Judge Jessica Marra represents a shift toward a younger, more diverse judiciary that balances private practice experience with a history of public service. Whether you're a lawyer or a citizen, she's a figure in the local government worth watching.