Practice Experience

• John Blue became of counsel to Carlton Fields upon his retirement from the Second District Court of Appeal.  He served on that court for twelve years and at the time of his retirement he was the Chief Judge.  While serving as a judge on the Second District Court of Appeal, Mr. Blue authored more than 500 appellate opinions.  Before his service on the appellate court, he was a trial judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit for 5 years.  Mr. Blue joined the court system after 23 years of general practice of law, which included extensive trial experience. 
• At Carlton Fields, Mr. Blue is a member of the firm's Appellate Practice and Trial Support Group.  He calls on his experience as a former appellate judge and former trial judge and years as a practicing attorney to work with nearly all the members of the Appellate Practice Group.  Mr. Blue consults on many (if not the majority) of the briefs filed by members of the Appellate Practice Group.  In addition to engaging in oral arguments on behalf of the firm, he assists others in preparation for oral argument.  Mr. Blue is also a mediator and available for appellate or civil trial mediation.

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Florida

COURT ADMISSIONS

• Florida State Courts

Speaking Engagements

• Moderator, “The Innocence Project: Pro Bono Work for Appellate Attorneys,” AJEI Summit Meeting of the ABA Appellate Judges’ Conference (AJC), the Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys (CASA), and the Council of Appellate Lawyers (CAL), Orlando, FL (November 21, 2009).

Professional Recognition

• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Administration of Justice Humanitarian Award
• Recipient of the 2009 Chief Justice’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award
• Certified Circuit Court Mediator and Certified Appellate Mediator

Professional and Civic Activities

• The Florida Bar
  Board of Governors (1986-1987)
  Chair, Local Bar Liaison Committee (1978-1979)
• Manatee County Bar Association
  President (1975-1976)
• Sarasota Bar Association
• Twelfth Judicial Circuit Nominating Committee (1981-1983) 
  Grievance Committee (1985-1986)
• Manatee Junior College, Board of Trustees (1976-1982)
• State Community College Coordinating Board (1978-1982)
• Director of Division of Community Colleges (1983), leading Florida's 28 community colleges and coordinating a program for the 1983 legislative session for the presidents of 28 colleges, the State Community College Coordinating Board, and the Department of Education

Background

• Chief Judge, Second District Court of Appeal (July 2001-January 2003)
• Judge, Second District Court of Appeal (1992-2003)
• Circuit Judge, Twelfth Judicial Circuit (1986-1992)
• Partner, Blue and McGuire, Bradenton, Florida (1984-1986)
• Interim Director, Division of Community Colleges for the State of Florida (1983)
• Partner, Grimes, Goebel, Parry, Blue and Boylston (1963-1983)
• United States Army (1954-1956)

Education

• Stetson University College of Law (J.D., 1963)
• Florida State University (B.S., Business, 1958)