Carlton Fields’ Bruce J. Berman and Peter D. Webster Co-Author 2022 Edition of Trusted Treatise “Berman’s Florida Civil Procedure”

Carlton Fields Shareholders Bruce J. Berman and Peter D. Webster published the latest edition of the book Berman’s Florida Civil Procedure, 2022 ed. (Vol. 4., Florida Practice Series™) (Thomson Reuters).

The book, published annually since 1998, is considered one of the most authoritative treatises on Florida state practice and procedure. Frequently cited by Florida courts, and recently cited by the Florida Supreme Court, this meticulously crafted and insightful book references thousands of cases, traces the history of each rule, compiles the totality of Florida case law on each, and highlights the most significant distinctions between Florida's rules and their federal counterparts from which most of Florida's rules were derived, making the text uniquely useful, as well, to those entering Florida from outside jurisdictions.

Berman’s Florida Civil Procedure is a trusted resource relied upon by lawyers and judges throughout Florida, as well as by attorneys outside of the state with cases in Florida. Prominent litigator Thomas J. Meeks, who has handled dozens of jury and nonjury trials and has extensive experience with complicated and complex commercial litigation, is one of many distinguished Florida trial lawyers who regularly relies on the treatise. Meeks notes:

When faced with a novel procedural question I invariably turn first to the “Berman” treatise. It is extensively updated every year and I know that what I am seeing in it is current and reliable. It is an invaluable resource for any civil litigator in our state.

The 2022 edition, which was updated through December 31, 2021, includes hundreds of updating text and case inserts; a major re-write of the chapter on Florida’s summary judgment rule, amended last year to incorporate the 2021 amendments adopting the federal summary judgment standard; commentary on the new rule incorporating the “apex” doctrine for depositions of senior corporate management; and a host of other changes to bring its now more than 1,300 pages, with more than 5,000 case citations, completely up to date.

The book continues to address civil procedure on a rule-by-rule basis, with all the rules cross-referenced to modern case law, with particularly ample coverage of Florida class actions and Florida’s rule and statute governing proposals for settlement. And, in addition to its highlights of distinctions with federal rules, the treatise continues to reference fully updated local rules of each of the three federal district courts in Florida, including rules governing mediation and arbitration.

At Carlton Fields, Berman focuses his nationwide practice on large and complex commercial disputes in federal and state trial and appellate courts, and in domestic and international arbitration tribunals. He represents U.S. and international clients in cases spanning a wide range of substantive law, including corporate finance, securities, mergers and acquisitions (including post-acquisition representations and warranties), health law, aviation, and intellectual property (copyright, trademark, and unfair competition).

Webster’s practice focuses on appellate law after a distinguished career in judicial service spanning more than 25 years. He was a judge in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit, sitting in Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs, from 1986 until 1991. In 1991, he was appointed to Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, where he served until 2011. While on the appellate bench, he authored hundreds of opinions involving virtually every area of the law.

To purchase the book, click here. 

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