Appellate Advocacy

Bryant Miller Olive’s appellate attorneys represent parties in state, federal and administrative appeals. Effective appellate advocacy requires a different set of skills than trial court litigation. The objective at trial is to persuade the judge or jury in the first instance, but the objective on appeal is to persuade judges based on the existing record. Our appellate attorneys know what types of issues can and should be raised on appeal. They also know how best to present those issues in an understandable and compelling manner, even in little-known areas of the law.

Our appellate attorneys approach appeals with a narrow focus on the issues that are of concern to appellate judges. They have the judgment and discipline to identify and confront legally determinative issues with attention to detail, clarity, and precision. Our attorneys can also provide support and strategy during all phases of trial court litigation to preserve issues and position cases for success in the event of appeal.

Examples of recent appeals include:
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida v. S. Florida Water Mgmt. Dist., 48 So. 3d 811 (Fla. 2010)
Sarasota Citizens for Responsible Gov’t v. City of Sarasota, 48 So. 3d 755 (Fla. 2010)
Hollywood Fire Fighters, Local 1375, IAFF, Inc. v. City of Hollywood, 198 L.R.R.M. (BNA) 2174 (Fla. 4th DCA 2014)
City of St. Pete Beach v. Sowa, 4 So. 3d 1245, 1246 (Fla. 2d DCA 2009)
Strand v. Escambia County, 992 So. 2d 150, 152 (Fla. 2008) (amicus)
City of Parker v. State, 992 So. 2d 171, 174 (Fla. 2008)
Bay County v. Town of Cedar Grove, 992 So. 2d 164, 165 (Fla. 2008)