Florida Appeals

05/26/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
Proceedings under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction often involve highly technical legal issues that must be addressed with precision at the trial level. The way those issues are identified, argued, and preserved during the hearing can have a direct impact on what is available for review if the case proceeds to appeal. The record is everything gaps or missed issues at the trial stage can significantly limit appellate options later.

Florida Appeals is frequently engaged during Hague Convention hearings to work alongside trial counsel, often in a second or third-chair capacity. This early involvement is focused on spotting critical legal issues in real time, ensuring proper objections and arguments are made, and developing a clear and complete record. By prioritizing issue preservation from the outset, we help position cases for meaningful appellate review if needed, while also supporting trial counsel in navigating the complex procedural and substantive demands unique to Hague Convention proceedings.

Hague Convention hearings often involve highly technical legal issu...

05/12/2026

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐋𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐬. 𝐄𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝
An unfavorable jury verdict can be difficult, but it does not automatically create a basis for appeal. To pursue appellate relief, there must be a demonstrable legal error, not simply disagreement with how the jury weighed the evidence.

Appellate courts focus on reviewing legal issues, often applying a de novo standard of review. This means the appellate court evaluates the legal question independently, without deferring to the trial court’s conclusions. By contrast, factual determinations, such as credibility assessments and the weighing of evidence, are reserved for the jury and are rarely disturbed on appeal.

At Florida Appeals, our appellate attorneys carefully assess whether a case presents a true legal error that may warrant review. This early evaluation helps clients and trial counsel understand the likelihood of success on appeal so they can make informed, strategic decisions before moving forward.
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Receiving an unfavorable jury verdict doesn’t always mean there are grounds for appeal. To succeed, there must be a legal error, not just disagreement with h...

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate the birthday of our founder, Shannon McLin, whose vision and leadership have shaped Florida Appeals into a leader in appellate advocacy. From the firm’s inception, Shannon set out to redefine the role of appellate counsel, positioning Florida Appeals not only as advocates on appeal, but also as strategic partners to trial teams at every stage of litigation. Her forward-thinking approach has helped elevate the standard of appellate practice in Florida.

A recognized leader in the legal community, Shannon’s impact extends beyond the courtroom through her service, mentorship, and continued contributions to The Florida Bar. We are proud to celebrate Shannon and the lasting impact of her work. Happy Birthday Shannon!

05/05/2026

Florida Appeals is proud to share that its founder, Shannon McLin, served as a featured speaker at the Orange County Bar Association’s 2026 Bench & Bar Conference.

McLin presented on the panel “Instant Replay: Lessons from Recent Appellate Decisions,” highlighting the Sixth District Court of Appeal’s approach as a newly formed court to evaluate issues independently and apply a textualist framework, rather than defer to precedent from other district courts of appeal.

04/29/2026

Check out our April newsletter here.
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Email from Florida Appeals Win at Trial, Win on Appeal: The Power of Appellate Lawyers from Start to Finish April 2026 International Rules, Real-World Impact: Navigating Hague Convention Child Custody

04/03/2026