Chief Justice Muñiz Presents 2024 Judicial Excellence Award to Palm Beach County Judge

Judge Sherri L. Collins of the Palm Beach County Court received the 2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence.

Judge Sherri L. Collins of the Palm Beach County Court is the recipient of the 2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence. Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz presented the honor at the annual education program of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida.

Judge Collins joined the Palm Beach County Court bench in 2016 and now serves in the trial division.

The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, and sound judgment.

Judge Collins has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to improving the administration of justice. Her notable accomplishments include establishing the 15th Judicial Circuit Mental Health Court. She has also taken on important leadership roles, such as volunteering as administrative judge for the Criminal Division and serving as chair for education of the Conference of County Court Judges.

"Judge Sherri L. Collins exemplifies the culture of excellence we strive for in Florida's judiciary,” Chief Justice Muñiz said. “Her dedication to improving the administration of justice, particularly through the establishment of the Mental Health Court and her commitment to judicial education, demonstrates the kind of leadership and public service that strengthens our entire judicial system. Judge Collins' work, both on and off the bench, embodies the qualities of integrity, fairness, and compassion that are essential to maintaining public trust in our courts."

Judge Collins has shown a strong commitment to judicial education through her role in teaching courses at the National Judicial College and various other judicial programs. She has also held numerous leadership positions within the Conference of County Court Judges.

Her commitment to mentorship and fostering the next generation of legal professionals is equally noteworthy. She leads mentorship activities for young lawyers and law students, actively participates in a summer intern program for college students interested in law careers, and spearheads an annual mock trial competition in the circuit. These initiatives demonstrate Judge Collins' ongoing efforts to support and guide aspiring legal professionals, providing them with valuable experience and insights into the judicial system.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Collins served as an assistant state attorney in the 16th and 15th judicial circuits. She earned her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law and earned her bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Florida.