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David Scott Nelson, Appellate Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

PartneratLa Cava & Jacobson, P.A.

Tampa, FL

Practicing appellate in Tampa since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
3 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

David Scott Nelson is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability. David has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at La Cava & Jacobson, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Tampa, FL
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Appellate · Medical Malpractice · Product Liability
  • Handles Appellate, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability matters from Tampa, FL.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David Scott Nelson: David Scott Nelson is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability. David has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at La Cava & Jacobson, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on appellate, medical malpractice, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Tampa, Florida

David takes appellate matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Tampa, Florida

David takes medical malpractice matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Tampa, Florida

David takes product liability matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David Scott Nelson — appellate lawyer in Tampa

David Scott Nelson is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Medical Malpractice, and Product Liability. David has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at La Cava & Jacobson, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

David Scott Nelson is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, products liability defense, appellate practice. David received a B.A. degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1980, and has been licensed for 39 years. David practices at La Cava & Jacobson, P.A. in Tampa, FL.

David's approach to appellate cases

David Scott Nelson is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, products liability defense, appellate practice. David received a B.A. degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1980, and has been licensed for 39 years. David practices at La Cava & Jacobson, P.A. in Tampa, FL.

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, medical malpractice, and product liability matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Florida College of Law

    J.D. · 1987

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania

    B.A. Journalism · 1980

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Florida United State

    1987 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of Florida College of Law and B.A. Journalism in Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in University of Florida College of Law and B.A. Journalism in Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Hillsborough County (Member: Trial Lawyers Section Young Lawyers Division), Federal (Member, Tampa Bay Chapter Executive Committee) and American (Member, Litigation Section) Bar Associations The Florida Bar

    membership

Locations

David Scott Nelson's office in Tampa

David's primary office is at BMO Harris Bank Bldg., Ste. 1250, 501 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

La Cava & Jacobson, P.A.

BMO Harris Bank Bldg., Ste. 1250, 501 E. Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa, FL 33602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of David Scott Nelson — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Tampa.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Scott Nelson claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David Scott Nelson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Tampa, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Scott Nelson

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

    David is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new appellate clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

David handles appellate matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.