Dear Appellate Practice Section Members,
As spring takes hold across Florida, our “Year of Connections” theme continues to come to life in meaningful and energizing ways. This season of growth feels especially fitting as we reflect on recent successes and look ahead to a full calendar of opportunities to connect, learn, and serve.
We recently had the privilege of participating in the DCA Judges Conference, where Section members connected with appellate judges from across the state. We were honored to host the well-attended opening night reception and to present to the judges on trends in appellate practice. In addition, members had the opportunity to attend other educational sessions and engage directly with the judges, clerks of court, and marshals—further strengthening the relationships that define our Section.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our next Table of Authorities program on April 9 from 12:00-1:00 p.m., featuring Judge Caroline Shepherd of the Fourth DCA. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Outreach Committee Vice Chair Ali Preston. Preference is given to young lawyers.
Our committees remain the backbone of the Section’s work, and I want to highlight a few ongoing efforts. The Publications Committee has been especially active, with several new articles recently published in The Record. Many thanks to Editor Eleanor Sills for her leadership—these articles are all available on the Section’s website. Check them out!
Meanwhile, the Pro Bono Committee continues to expand access to justice by connecting attorneys with meaningful appellate pro bono opportunities. If you are not already receiving the (very serious and yet often quite funny) emails about these opportunities, please contact co-chairs Jamie Moses and Bailey Howard. The emails are the best way to stay apprised of cases as they arise.
We also look forward to several exciting upcoming events. The CLE Committee has two more monthly webinar offerings this Bar year. On April 21, tune in for A Florida Appellate Lawyer’s Guide to Textualism, with panelists Nicholas McNamara, Daniel Nordby, and the Honorable Stephanie Ray. And on May 19, Judge Suzanne Labrit and Nancy Gregoire will discuss Statutory Retroactivity Analysis and Making it Work for You.
Then, from April 22 to 24, the William A. Van Nortwick Appellate Workshop will take place at Barry University School of Law in Orlando. This program offers a hands-on experience in appellate advocacy: participants will draft a mock brief, receive feedback and instruction from appellate judges and board-certified practitioners, and present a mock oral argument. We are grateful to Judge Carrie Ann Wozniak and Immediate Past Chair Courtney Brewer for their tremendous work in planning this premier event.
Two weeks later, on May 6, we will host Beyond the Bar: The Supreme Court of Florida, a full-day CLE program held at the Court’s building in Tallahassee. This program will be chockfull of information about what makes the Supreme Court unique, including panels on jurisdiction and brief-writing, an opportunity to observe an oral argument in the morning, and a lunchtime discussion with the Justices.
And of course, the Florida Bar Annual Convention is just around the corner. APS programming will begin on Wednesday, June 17, at 3:00 p.m. with leadership training, followed by the Chair’s Reception and Awards Presentation at 5:00 p.m.
Our events continue on Thursday, starting with a new member orientation and committee meetings at 8:45 a.m., with the Executive Council meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. The day will culminate in our “Boston Tea Party” dessert reception from 9:00-11:00 p.m.—a fun nod to our upcoming Section retreat, October 1-4 at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston.
We are also now accepting applications for the Fellows Program, available on the Section’s website, as well as nominations for the Adkins and Hamilton Awards. Award nominations may be emailed to Section Administrator Amy Walker, and additional information—including criteria and recent recipients—is available on the website.
Thank you for all you do to make this Section vibrant, engaged, and impactful. I look forward to seeing many of you this spring as we continue our “Year of Connections” together.
