Board-Certified Appellate Lawyer in Tampa, FL
The appellate practice attorneys at Swope Rodante P.A. have the experience and knowledge to successfully appeal a decision from a lower court trial.
Our lawyers handle appeals and other post trial motions for a variety of types of civil court cases. We frequently present seminars on appellate issues, and author scholarly articles providing valuable guidance for others in the profession.
An appellate practice attorney represents clients to appeal unlawful verdicts. Either party in a case can file an appeal after trial to request a review of the decision from an appellate judge.
The losing party in a lawsuit often appeals to reverse the judgment, the party that won could appeal for a larger verdict or additional compensation.
Even if a claimant has new issues to raise or new testimony, it may not help them to win an appeal. The higher court’s review is normally limited to an examination of the record from the lower court with no new issues raised or testimony taken.
The higher court’s review may result in affirming, reversing, modifying or remanding the lower court’s decision.
Partner Brent Steinberg is a Florida Bar Board-Certified Appellate Specialist – a distinction only achieved by 200 of the 100,000 lawyers in Florida. Call (813) 273-0017 to request a free consultation.
Benefits of Hiring an Appellate Lawyer at Swope, Rodante P.A.
Swope, Rodante P.A. has successfully represented clients in complex appellate litigation in both federal and state appellate court systems. Members of our appellate team have handled numerous civil appeals and have experience working as sole or lead counsel.
Our appellate team works diligently with our litigation team to ensure that success at trial isn’t forfeited on appeal. We are able to detect and expound critical appellate issues to reverse seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The ability to perceive developing trends in the law coupled with our expertise in legal writing increases the chances of prevailing on summary judgment, and getting the matter to trial.
Our attorneys know that it takes hard work and determination, and they are willing to put in the time it takes to win your case. Swope Rodante also provides co-counsel services to assist other law firms on complex appeals.
Common Types of Civil Appeals in Florida
The following types of cases are often appealed in Florida:
- Commercial litigation
- Personal injury claims
- Insurance bad faith claims
Other Types of Appellate Proceedings
The other types of proceedings heard by appellate courts are petitions for common-law writs of certiorari, mandamus, and prohibition. These proceedings are conducted similarly to appeals but have a much more limited scope of review. To find out more about these proceedings, contact us.
Co-Counsel Appellate Services
Our appellate team will support your case in any way we can. For every co-counsel appeals case, we provide:
- Appellate Mediation
- Oral Arguments
- Trial Support
How Long Does it take to Appeal a Verdict?
Although it is theoretically possible for an appeal to be concluded within about six months, an appeal typically lasts about a year, sometimes longer.
Discuss your case with our appellate team for an estimate of how long the process will take for your appeal.
How is an Appeal Different from the Original Trial?
The parties in the appeal cannot present evidence or testimony to the appellate court. The appellate court will only review the record that was created in the lower court. Also, the appellate court will not decide disputed issues of fact, such as which witness’ testimony was more believable.
An appellate court can only decide whether the lower court followed the law correctly and whether there was any substantial competent evidence at all to support the decision of the lower court.
There is no discovery in appeals, and typically there is only one court date. At that court date, the judges who will decide the appeal listen to legal arguments from the attorneys representing the parties to the appeal and have an opportunity to ask them questions. No witnesses testify.
The judges make their decision based on the record of the trial court, the parties’ briefs, and the oral argument. In some appellate proceedings, no oral argument is held.
Call (813) 273-0017 for a free consultation with an appellate attorney.
Defending a Verdict at the Florida Supreme Court
Brent Steinberg served as lead appellate counsel, successfully defending a verdict of over $30 million through multiple levels of appeal.
Watch the video below of Mr. Steinberg’s oral argument at the Florida Supreme Court in 2023.
Read the Supreme Court opinion here: Florida Supreme Court Opinion – Willoughby.
