As we settle into late January, it’s already clear that 2026 is off to a busy—and very connected—start for the Appellate Practice Section.
One of the highlights of the month was the Board Certification Town Hall on January 13, spearheaded by Outreach Committee Chair Brandon Breslow. Nearly 100 APS members joined this free CLE to learn more about the requirements for becoming board certified in appellate practice and to ask practical, candid questions about the process. We were fortunate to have an outstanding panel: former Certification Committee Chairs Duane Daiker and Jamie Moses, along with recent examinees Alyssa Cory and Sam Alexander, who shared real-world insights and advice. It was a terrific example of experienced practitioners connecting with those considering the next step in their appellate careers.
We kept that conversation—and those connections—going later that evening with a virtual happy hour and trivia. Congratulations to trivia champions Eleanor Sills and Tom Hall, and many thanks to Outreach Vice Chair Ali Preston for organizing a fun and well-attended event.
Last week, the Section was proud to sponsor the annual Florida Supreme Court Historical Society dinner and reception in Tallahassee. Beforehand, we held another in-person APS meet-up with a great turnout. Thank you to the Section’s Immediate Past Chair Courtney Brewer for hosting. It was wonderful to see so many members (including a couple appellate judges) in an informal setting, continuing to build relationships and create the kind of meaningful social opportunities you told us you wanted in our member survey earlier this Bar year.
Our monthly webinar series continues to be a strong point of connection, as well. Earlier this month, Ceci Berman and Chrissy Davis presented one of our most popular CLEs, the 2025 Year in Review. If you missed it, the program is available on demand. Looking ahead, be sure to register for:
• February 2, all day: Our Board Certification review course—the year’s most advanced CLE, available in person or streaming online
• February 17, 12:10pm: The next installment of the monthly webinar series, focused on effectively using jury instructions
• March 5, 12pm: A free CLE on the Florida Constitution, focusing on standing, precedent, and the case-or-controversy requirement (registration coming soon)
We also have our next Table of Authorities coming soon on Tuesday, February 24, featuring Florida Supreme Court Justice John Couriel.
And our committees are creating meaningful connections in other ways, too. The Publications Committee continues to connect our members through thoughtful, timely scholarship, with several new articles now available on the APS website. I encourage you to take a look—and, if you’re interested in contributing, reach out to Committee Chair Sarah Roberge to get more involved. At the same time, the Pro Bono Committee is connecting appellate lawyers with opportunities to serve and make an impact beyond their own practices. We were especially proud to see committee member Steve Senn recognized as the most recent APS recipient of the Tobias Simon Award, the highest pro bono honor in Florida—a powerful reminder of how our community’s commitment to service connects us to something larger than ourselves.
All of this leads us into the DCA Judges Conference, February 16-18 in Jacksonville, where we’ll have the opportunity to connect with the judges, hold our winter Executive Council meeting (agenda coming soon, with a Zoom option for those unable to attend), and make a big announcement about the location of our next Section retreat, scheduled for October 1-4, 2026. Keep an eye on your inbox for clues about the location—and if you think you’ve figured it out, let Chair-Elect Elaine Walter and me know.
Last—but far from least—the Florida Bar’s High School Moot Court Competition, led by the Law Related Education Committee, is looking for volunteers. This is a meaningful way to connect with students and help inspire the next generation of appellate advocates. Please consider signing up to lead a practice session or coach a team.
Thank you for all the ways you continue to show up, participate, and stay connected. I’m looking forward to everything still ahead this year.
