As many of our members know, the Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar (“APS”) has implemented a Fellowship Program for young lawyers interested in appellate practice. The Fellowship Program allows attorney fellows to gain appellate experience with assistance from their mentor, elevate their presence in the appellate bar by publishing an article in one of APS’s publications, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This article spotlights our current 2024-2025 fellow, Stephanie Rodriguez, and introduces our newest 2025-2026 fellow, Blayne Yudis.
Getting to Know Stephanie Rodriguez
Stephanie Rodriguez is an attorney at Hall Booth Smith. Her practice primarily consists of insurance defense, focusing mainly on medical malpractice and general liability. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and graduated from Nova Southern University Shepard Board College in 2022. She was part of NSU’s trial advocacy team, their moot court team, and was the lead technical editor of the Nova Law Review during her third year of law school. She served as a teaching and research assistant to professors in constitutional law, torts, and animal law. To no one’s surprise, she graduated in the top 10% of her class at NSU. She has already assisted with three civil appeals during her career.
Outside of work, Stephanie is an avid reader and a huge Harry Potter fan. She re-reads the Harry Potter series at least once a year. One of her goals is to read more than 65 books this year and she reports that she is well on her way to that goal. Additionally, Stephanie is a former competitive ice skater.
Her first year of her Fellowship was a success. She already authored written publications for APS. She is currently being mentored by Judge Carrie Ann Wozniak. Stephanie has attended the Section’s Table of Authorities lunches. These lunches feature appellate judges who discuss a series of topics with a moderator. Stephanie has enjoyed the practical and insightful perspectives into what it is like to be on the bench versus being a practicing appellate attorney. In this next year, she hopes to tackle more pro bono appeals with the assistance of an APS mentor. And while she regrets being unable to make the Section’s Italy retreat, she is looking forward to attending this year’s retreat.
Welcome, Stephanie!
A Q&A with APS’s 2025-2026 Fellow: Blayne Yudis
- Tell us a bit about you.
Hi! My name is Blayne Yudis and I am thrilled and honored to serve as the APS Fellow for 2025-26. I am originally from Philadelphia, and yes—I am an insufferable Eagles fan basking in light of recent Superbowl glory.
I found myself attending University of Miami—don’t worry, I am a ‘Canes fan as well—for law school after wrapping up my undergraduate degree at George Washington University in D.C.
These days, outside the office, you can find me on a tennis court, on a plane, or relaxing at home with a book in hand.
2. What made you decide to become a lawyer?
The goal of using my mind to get paid for working on important, complex issues.
- What does your current practice look like?
My practice is unique in that most of my clients are municipalities concentrated in and around South Florida. Because of their public nature, I see a range of civil cases: from personal injury cases arising out of trip and falls on public sidewalks to constitutional challenges of local ordinances. I litigate these cases from the ground up. Currently, I’d estimate my practice is 70% general pre-trial and trial litigation and 30% appellate and trial support work.
- Do you have any fun hobbies outside of work?
I am a life-long tennis player! I typically play in and around Miami with friends. Outside of tennis, I love to travel. This summer, my siblings and I head to Japan for a two-week adventure. I also love to read. Right now, I am deep into The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. So far, I highly recommend it.
- When did you realize you were interested in appellate practice?
I’m not sure if it was an exact moment, but I’ve always appreciated great writing. When I began reading caselaw during 1L, I was blown away by certain judges’ ability to convey complex ideas with such clarity and conviction. It was from those moments that I became inspired to focus on becoming a great legal writer. Along that journey, I ended up clerking for an appellate judge. From those experiences, I’d say I’ve naturally gravitated toward appellate practice.
- How did you hear about APS’s fellowship program?
I read about the fellowship program while looking into involvement opportunities with the Appellate Practice Section. I reached out and discussed the program with a former fellow, Nicholas Lynch, and decided the throw my hat in the ring with an application!
- What is one thing that you are most excited about for the fellowship program?
I am looking forward to handling a pro-bono matter. I’ve had limited pro-bono opportunities in my career so far, and so I think this will be a rewarding opportunity to help someone in need of appellate services that may not otherwise be able to receive them. What a gift it is to be able to use your skills to hopefully make a positive impact on someone’s life.
- The most important question for appellate practitioners: one space or two spaces?
Ah, yes—the age-old debate. While I’m sure I’ll engender certain feelings from certain readers, I am team one space.
[A note from the Editor: for all you Bluebook nerds, check out R.2.3 in the new 22nd edition of the Bluebook.]
9. Do you have any typographical preferences or tips that you feel appellate practitioners should follow when writing appellate briefs?
In my experience, comprehension is the foundation of persuasion. Thus, I think the most important thing a piece of legal writing offers to the reader is comprehension. From reading your writing, can the reader now comprehend the facts, the law, and the positions of the parties? To improve comprehension, I typically employ the following:
- Story-telling. Stories are easy to follow. If I can hold my reader’s attention throughout the document, I know I’ve already accomplished what many cannot. Stories emanate from themes. I find my theme, and from there the story develops.
- Throughout the drafting and revising process, I ask myself, can a 15-year-old understand this document? If not, then I need to revise to make the writing clearer, more precise, and oftentimes more concise. Legal writing should not be complicated. It just takes diligence and focus to boil it down to (relative) simplicity.
The Attorney Fellowship is open to all members of The Florida Bar in good standing who have been practicing for fewer than 5 years. 2026-2027 applications will be available in spring 2026.
