Kenneth Bell

Appellate Law

Business Litigation

Eminent Domain & Property Rights

Ken Bell focuses his practice on civil appeals and trial support. He is a co-chair emeritus of Gunster’s firmwide Appellate Practice Group.

Ken is a former Florida Supreme Court Justice, serving from 2002-2008. Prior to serving on Florida’s highest court, Ken was as a circuit judge in Florida’s First Judicial Circuit from 1991-2002. In 1991, he became the youngest Circuit Judge in the history of the First Circuit. During his twelve years on the circuit court bench, Ken handled more than 27,500 cases as a general jurisdiction judge, and was actively involved in seeking to improve the judicial system. Preceding his elevation to the judiciary, Ken was Pensacola’s first board certified real estate attorney.

Ken’s approach to delivering effective advocacy is to consistently strive to represent each client with both strength and precision of position. Honed over decades of practice, Ken remains dedicated to delivering the highest quality and most effective written and oral arguments designed to obtain optimal advantage for his clients. Having served as a judge himself, Ken understands how judges think and analyze cases throughout the trial and appellate process. Ken’s experience in the judiciary and private practice strengthens his ability to develop and execute multi-dimensional strategies at trial or on appeal.

In addition to serving as appellate counsel, Ken is also called upon to serve as an arbitrator in civil and appellate matters. His personal commitment to problem-solving and dispute resolution is marked by a steadfast focus on delivering a balanced and fair assessment of each party’s position.

-The Florida Supreme Court

Workgroup on Improved Resolution of Civil Cases, the Judicial Management Council

-American Bar Association

Litigation: Appellate Practice Section, 2009-18

-Florida Bar

Appellate Law Section, 2009-present

Executive Council

RPPTL Section, Liaison

-Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, 1982-present

Amicus Coordination Committee

-Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, ESRBA Foundation Board Member, 2007-14