Cathy Stephens, Judicial Assistant to Judge John E. Jordan, was awarded the Florida Chapters American Board of Trial Advocates (FLABOTA) Fran Peacock Coker Community Service Award on July 25, 2025 at The Breakers Palm Beach. The FLABOTA Fran Peacock Coker Community Service Award was established in March 2006 in memory of Fran Peacock Coker in recognition of her tireless devotion and accomplishments in the area of children literacy, an issue so important to the administration of justice and preservation of trial by jury. This award is bestowed, from time to time, to an individual whose dedication to the community exemplifies the character, commitment and accomplishments of Fran Peacock Cocker.
Cathy Stephens comes from a family where service to community was a household activity. She has been very active with her church youth groups and Social Committee and worked with Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, as well. The recognition for her dedication to community and children literacy, which included her assistance with ABOTA’s 7th Amendment Symposium, Inn of Court, and Business Court Open House among other Court presentations. She has presented mock trials for many elementary to high school students covering Orange, Seminole, and Clay County Schools. She is the 2024-2025 President of the Ninth Circuit Judicial Assistants, which further reflects her dedication to her fellow JAs.