On September 17, the Appellate Practice Section of The Florida Bar will be hosting the CLE Judges Turned Litigators and What They Learned from Their Time on the Bench, featuring Gunster’s Simone Marstiller (1st DCA) and Kenneth Bell (Supreme Court, Fla), as well as former appellate judges Samuel Salario (2d DCA) and Peter Webster (1st DCA). This program explores the unique insights and perspectives that these former appellate jurists bring to their present-day litigation practices, discussing how their judicial experiences have shaped their strategies in litigation, negotiation, and client counseling. The program will also cover practical tips for litigators on framing and presenting arguments, dealing with amicably with your opposing counsel, and handling the courtroom in a manner that avoids annoying the presiding judge or judges.
Learning objectives of the webinar:
- Understand how former judges interpret legal arguments and evidence;
- Refine attendees’ approach to case preparation and presentation in court based on the panelist personal experience and advice;
- Acquire techniques and strategies for effective appellate advocacy informed by the firsthand judicial experience of the panelists, including tips on persuasive legal writing and oral argument;
- Follow examples and case studies showing how these former judges have successfully applied their judicial experience to achieve favorable outcomes in litigation.
Simone Marstiller advises clients on how best to work with government to achieve their business goals. With broad and deep experience in state government, as well as contacts and relationships at all levels within Florida’s executive branch, she knows who to call and the best strategy for resolving issues through advocacy directly to decision makers. An experienced and respected public sector leader and executive, her stellar reputation for being trusted and respected is the result of decades of hard work and intelligent, actionable solutions for both the public and private sectors alike.
Simone also served for six years as a judge on Florida’s First District Court of Appeal. As a result, she is uniquely able to advise firm clients on complex C-level issues as a member of the firm’s Government Affairs, Healthcare and Appellate practice groups, bringing broad policy perspective and judicial insight.
Kenneth 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.
