Defending Best Interests Project

Defending Best Interests Project

Defending Best Interests ProjectThe Defending Best Interests Project protects the best interests of children in the appeal process.

The project, started in 2018, works with partners including the Pro Bono Committee of The Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section (APS) to recruit pro bono attorneys who write answer briefs in appeals of cases where a judge has determined TPR is in the child’s best interests. Each pro bono attorney is supported by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office team.

Pro bono attorneys have worked on over 350 cases since the beginning of the project. With each brief our “DBI Attorneys” write, they advocate for the child on appeal and help the court hear the child’s voice and best interests. Thanks to them, children can find a safe and permanent home faster.

For more information, Register your interest here.

Winning Your Appeal at Trial

The Guardian ad Litem Office and the Pro Bono Committee of The Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section (APS) partner to provide you with the trial-level tools you need to make sure your case is ready for any appeal.

Over the five hour series available on Free Florida CLE, our all-star cast of Florida’s finest appellate practitioners, share their best practices and help you avoid common trial court pitfalls that can hamper a case once on appeal. You can watch the complete series or a single course as each course is individually accredited and approved for board certification in Appellate Practice, Criminal Appellate Law, and Juvenile Law.

Topics and speakers include:

This CLE builds upon the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office’s prior joint CLE series with the APS, “Appeals for the Pro Bono Practitioner.”

Appeals for the Pro Bono Practitioner

Presented by an all-star cast that includes some of Florida’s finest appellate practitioners, “Appeals for the Pro Bono Practitioner” series provides resources and information for all attorneys interested in appeals. This training, available on Free Florida CLE and sponsored by the Statewide Guardian ad Litem Office and the Pro Bono Committee of The Florida Bar’s Appellate Practice Section (APS), dives into different aspects of handling appeals.  CLE credit is available for each individual segment of the program. Segments include: