DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Akerman LLP

Litigation: Appellate

2 ranked lawyers

Band 1

Florida

USA 2021 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

Chambers Review

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What the team is known for

Maintains an excellent reputation for its strong appellate practice, comprised of former judges and highly experienced attorneys. Routinely represents clients at both a federal and state level and offers expertise in a wide range of commercial disputes, including shareholder derivative actions.

Strengths

Peers praise the firm's "very well-respected and established practice."

One interviewee says: "It's an exceptional team; their strengths include attention to detail, superior knowledge of the court and judges on the panel, willingness to collaborate and excellent communication skills. They're an overall joy to work with."

Another appreciates the "provision of not just legal advice but practical business advice too."

Work highlights

Acted for Cat Cay Yacht Club in an appeal overturning a claim for punitive damages to be made against the club.

Notable practitioners

Gerald Cope has a wide-ranging practice, which includes acting as an arbitrator and consultant as well as representing individuals and large organizations in local and federal appeals.
"He is a very smart guy and a very respected appellate lawyer." "He has a reputation as the intellectual of the court as the former judge in the Third District. He is a very deep thinker, very thoughtful about his analysis and a pleasure to litigate against."

Katherine Giddings handles a wide range of appeals, including sanctions and tax disputes, and regularly represents clients in both state and federal courts.
"She is an exceptional lawyer and has the highest standards of work." "She is outstanding, She is a brilliant lawyer with experience with the Florida Supreme Court and a lot of contacts that are very helpful for her clients. She can give advice to ensure corporates are not running afoul of those rules."

Department Information

This content is provided by Akerman LLP.

Overview

With a bench that includes one of the largest groups of former appellate judges in the U.S., Akerman’s appellate practice is a national powerhouse with demonstrated success in handling appeals related to complex commercial litigation. Akerman’s team has handled thousands of matters in federal and state appellate courts, particularly in the areas of financial services, insurance, healthcare, and real estate. The team has experience in numerous jurisdictions and can effectively handle class actions throughout the U.S.

Team members frequently assists trial lawyers during all phases of litigation, preserving errors for appeal, drafting motions and responses, and providing strategic advice on the best approach for seeking relief on appeal. The team also represents clients in highly specialized administrative appeals involving high-profile issues, and we promote their interests through amicus curiae briefs when they are not a party to an appeal but have a substantial interest in the outcome.

Service Offerings:

Handle appeals in federal and state appellate courts
Assess trial records and evaluate issues for appeal
Consult with trial lawyers throughout litigation to preserve issues for appeal, including attending key hearings and trial where warranted
Provide guidance and feedback for optimal brief and oral argument preparation through Akerman Bench, led by a distinguished team of former appellate and trial court judges, experienced advocates, and former state and federal law clerks