Appellate Division

The Appellate Division represents the USAO in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The Division handles all appeals to the Eleventh Circuit from both the civil and criminal cases prosecuted by the Office. The 18-member Division is one of the largest and busiest in the Department of Justice. By having all criminal and civil appeals handled by appellate specialists, the Appellate Division also is a relatively unique institution among United States Attorney's Offices. Because of the Division's long and successful history, other United States Attorney's Offices seeking to develop a dedicated appellate section have looked to our Division as a model.

Appellate litigation typically includes the preparation of briefs and the presentation of oral arguments before the Court of Appeals. In addition to defending the criminal convictions and civil judgments obtained by the Office, the Appellate Division also brings affirmative appeals to the Eleventh Circuit from rulings adverse to the United States, after consultation with the Solicitor General's Office and Criminal or Civil Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

Members of the Appellate Division also give advice and consult on legal matters with the United States Attorney and other attorneys in the Office. At least two appellate attorneys are assigned as liaisons to each branch office and each trial section in the Miami Office.