Brannock Berman & Seider Named One of Florida’s Top Appellate Law Firms
Describing the firm as “commendable,” with “extremely capable attorneys, who are highly proficient at handling complex appellate litigation matters,” the esteemed Chambers USA guide has ranked Brannock Berman & Seider as one of Florida’s best for appellate litigation.
Brannock Berman & Seider is one of only seven law firms, including large international firms, that the 2023 Chambers guide awarded “Band 1” status for exceptional appellate practice. Chambers commented that the firm’s “team takes the time to really understand all of the issues at stake and are always there to guide clients when a matter will likely end up on appeal.” Chambers also noted that the “timeliness and thoroughness of the team’s responses are unsurpassed.”
Along with ranking law firms, Chambers also ranks individual lawyers based on legal knowledge, ability, effectiveness, and client service. This year, there are more Brannock Berman & Seider lawyers ranked by Chambers as top appellate attorneys than any other law firm of any size in Florida.
Founding shareholder Steve Brannock remains ranked in “Band 1,” one of only a handful of lawyers statewide to receive the highest ranking. Noting Steve’s “unique ability to make the complex simple,” Chambers described him as a “brilliant attorney” who “provides good counsel” and is “able to anticipate all the legal issues” that may arise. He is “hands down,” the Chambers guide said, “one of the best appellate lawyers in town.”
Managing shareholder Ceci Berman is ranked in “Band 2” this year, a step up from her “Band 3” ranking of years past. Chambers singled her out for her “common sense” approach to cases, observing that she “has the ability to take complex issues that are hard to articulate and explain them in a practical and straightforward manner to persuade judges.” Chambers also noted that Ceci is “dedicated, hard-working, and always delivers” and that she is “not afraid to tackle the most contentious litigation matters.”
Phil Padovano, a former appellate and trial-court judge who became a shareholder at Brannock Berman & Seider after stepping down from the bench, joined this year’s rankings in “Band 3.” The author of Florida’s leading treatise on appellate practice, Phil was recognized as a “very collegial, thoughtful, and smart lawyer.”
Tom Seider was this year’s one and only “up and comer” on the Chambers list. The youngest lawyer in this year’s rankings, Chambers commented on Tom’s “excellent” written work. “The quality of his writing and his analysis of legal issues are amazing,” the Chambers guide said.
Chambers is well-known for its rigorous and independent methodology and is often called the “gold standard” in legal rankings. Rankings are not completed and released until Chambers’ full-time research staff talks to lawyers and clients, conducting in-depth telephone and email interviews. The focus is on law firms that handle complex, significant matters. Chambers considers factors like technical legal ability, client service, commercial vision and business understanding, diligence, value for money, and the depth of a law firm’s team.