As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, the Appellate Practice Section is continuing our focus on connections. From education and mentorship to informal Zoom conversations and statewide gatherings, we invite you to start the year engaged with your appellate peers and to get involved through one of our many ongoing programs.
Connection through Education
APS brings members together through education that encourages dialogue and shared learning. Upcoming programs include:
• January 13 – Free lunchtime Board Certification Town Hall, designed to foster discussion and insight for those interested in becoming board certified in appellate practice
• January 20 – Florida Appellate Law Year in Review, featuring appellate specialists Ceci Berman and Chrissy Davis sharing the main developments, rule changes, and appellate precedents of 2025 in the latest installment of our monthly webinar series
• February 2 – All-day advanced CLE focused on board certification and appellate excellence
• Free CLE Content, including a recently reaccredited program on solo practice available on the APS YouTube page
• March 6 – Free webinar on Florida’s unique constitutional structure (registration coming soon), responding directly to member requests for more no-cost CLEs
Connection through Conversation & Community
APS is also creating space for informal connection and conversation:
• January 13 at 5:30 p.m. – Virtual holiday trivia Happy Hour, continuing the conversation after the lunchtime Town Hall in a fun, seasonal way
• Building on the success of our October statewide social hours, recently featured in The Florida Bar News, APS will continue to host informal happy hours tied to in-person events—with the next gathering planned in Tallahassee in conjunction with the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society program in January
Connection through Mentorship & the Judiciary
APS’s Table of Authorities program fosters meaningful connections between newer appellate lawyers, experienced APS leaders, and members of the judiciary.
• Led by the Outreach Committee under Chair Brandon Breslow and Vice Chair Alison Preston
• Recent programs have featured Judge Robin Rosenbaum (Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals) and Chief Judge Dan Traver (Florida’s Sixth DCA)
• Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel will be the featured guest at the next program in February 2026 (stay tuned for the date and details!)
Connection through Shared Experiences
APS is proud to sponsor the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society’s reception and dinner on January 22, 2026, in Tallahassee, with an informal APS happy hour beforehand for members in town (details coming soon).
Looking ahead, APS members will gather for the DCA Judges Conference, February 16–18 in Jacksonville, offering an unmatched opportunity to learn from and connect with Florida’s appellate judiciary. Registration information for both events will be shared shortly.
Join Us in 2026
I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to engage with, learn from, and foster connections among your fellow appellate practitioners and the judiciary. Your participation strengthens the Section, and we look forward to seeing you at these programs and gatherings throughout the coming year.
In the meantime, happy holidays!
