FL Appellate Specialist case studies

FL Appellate Specialist · Put your knowledge to work in context.

This page is an independent study resource for attorneys considering board certification in appellate practice through The Florida Bar. It is written for Florida lawyers who already handle appeals and want a structured way to prepare for a specialty certification exam, and for candidates comparing appellate certification with other practice-area credentials. The intended audience includes solo practitioners, associates at appellate boutique firms, and litigators who regularly brief and argue before Florida's district courts of appeal and the Supreme Court of Florida. Preparation should center on the procedural rules that govern Florida appeals, preservation of error, standards of review, brief writing, oral argument, and extraordinary writs, alongside the ethical and jurisdictional questions that appear in appellate practice. The FL Appellate Specialist case studies are 5 cases and about 2,765 words.

The Late Rehearing Motion and the Jurisdictional Notice of Appeal

Attorney represents a plaintiff in a breach-of-contract action in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. On January 6, 2025, the court enters a final judgment in favor of the defendant after a bench trial.

512 words, about 3 min 2

Invited Error in a Grand Theft Jury Instruction

Defendant is tried for grand theft of a vehicle. The trial court and counsel discuss the jury instructions.

484 words, about 2 min 3

Lost Voir Dire Transcript and the Appellant's Record Burden

Appellant was convicted of aggravated battery after a jury trial. The only disputed issue was whether the victim was struck with a deadly weapon.

543 words, about 3 min 4

Certiorari Review of a Privileged Discovery Order

Plaintiff sues a hospital for negligent credentialing. During discovery, plaintiff seeks emails between the hospital's risk manager and outside counsel about a peer review investigation.

617 words, about 3 min 5

Preserving an Unpronounced Sentencing Fee Under Rule 3.800(b)(2)

Defendant pleads no contest to felony battery and is sentenced to 36 months in prison. At the sentencing hearing, the judge orally pronounces the prison term and 200 in court costs, but does not mention a 500 public defender lien or a $100 crime prevention fund fee.

609 words, about 3 min