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
Practices in
Are you David Scott Nelson?
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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
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Medical Malpractice
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Product Liability
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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.
La Cava & Jacobson, P.A.
BMO Harris Bank Bldg., Ste. 1250, 501 E. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33602
Open in Google MapsClient 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 reviewsHiring 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.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Florida
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.





