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

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

Does Mark offer a free consultation?

Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?

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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mark accepting new appellate clients right now?

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

Mark D. Tinker, Appellate Attorney in Tampa

Quick answer

Mark D. Tinker is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Mark has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 17 client reviews.

Based in: Tampa, FL
Experience: over 24 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · General

Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Tampa, FL.
Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mark takes on

Mark concentrates on appellate, business, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes business 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

General cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes general 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes insurance 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes litigation 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mark D. Tinker — appellate lawyer in Tampa

Mark D. Tinker is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. Mark has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 17 client reviews.

Mark David Tinker is a Partner in the firm's Tampa office. He is Board Certified in Appellate Practice with The Florida Bar-a status earned by less than two-tenths of one percent of all Florida lawyers-and is the Chair of The Bar’s Appellate Practice Certification Committee. Mr. Tinker maintains an AV Preeminent distinction, the highest available mark for professional excellence issued by Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Ratings, and he is annually rated by his peers as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Practice, one of Florida’s appellate Super Lawyers, a Martindale-AVVO Rated Top Lawyer, and among the Nation’s Top Attorneys (Top One Percent) by The National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Mr. Tinker is similarly recognized by his contemporaries as among the Top Attorneys in Tampa Bay and Tampa’s Legal Elite, and he has been honored as one of Tampa’s Attorneys of the Year for his appellate proficiency each of the past six years.

Mr. Tinker is distinguished for handling industry-important appeals, and he has practiced before the United States Supreme Court, the Florida Supreme Court, all six of Florida’s District Courts of Appeal, and the Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. With over 23 years of experience, he has been lead counsel in more than 800 appellate matters, including appeals of final and interlocutory orders, certiorari, and other extraordinary writ proceedings. He has further presented over 160 oral arguments in the Florida Supreme Court, all Florida District Courts of Appeal, and the Federal 11th Circuit.

In conjunction with his appellate practice, Mr. Tinker has extensive experience analyzing insurance coverage issues involving property and homeowner’s, personal and commercial auto, commercial general liability, inland marine, directors and officers, Errors and Omissions, and professional liability policies and certificates. His coverage practice includes providing coverage opinions, responding to Civil Remedy notices and time demands, and litigating declaratory judgment actions. Mr. Tinker is recognized as a Top-Rated Lawyer in Insurance Law by Martindale-Hubbell, and he is annually rated as one of The Best Lawyers in America for insurance law, as well as one of Florida’s insurance law Super Lawyers .

Mr. Tinker is a recurring speaker for, and author with, several professional entities-including the Florida Bar-on topics including appellate practice, legal writing, issue preservation, and Florida bad faith law. An advocate of pro bono legal services, Mr. Tinker participates in the Free Legal Answers program administered by The Florida Bar, where he supplies legal advice and guidance to eligible low-income or poverty-level individuals, as well as the Bar’s Lawyers Advising Lawyers service, where other attorneys seek his guidance on matters of appellate practice and procedure.

Mr. Tinker obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Rochester, with concentrations in Psychology and Political Science, then earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Stetson University College of Law. While attending law school, Mr. Tinker was selected to the prestigious position of Executive Editor of the Stetson Law Review and received a series of distinctions, or “book awards,” for achieving the highest grades in Appellate Practice, Florida Civil Practice, Remedies, Torts II, Research and Writing I, and Research and Writing II. He is a member of the Florida Bar, the Hillsborough County Bar Association, the St. Petersburg Bar Association, and the international legal honor society Phi Delta Phi.

Awards & Recognitions

Super Lawyers 2017 - 2020, 2024 - Present

The Best Lawyers in America , Appellate Practice, Insurance Law, recognized since 2018

Nation's Top Attorneys, The National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Tampa's Attorney of the Year, Tampa Style, Annually Since 2019

Top Attorneys in Tampa Bay, Tampa Magazine, Since 2015

Florida Trend's Legal Elite for Tampa, Since 2022

Newsroom

News

•Appellate Court Issues Rare Reversal in Volusia County Coverage Dispute
Recent Successful Trial, 9.22.2025
•Series of Appellate Wins - Insurance - Florida’s Fifth and Sixth District Courts of Appeal
Publication, 1.17.2024
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•Appellate Win
Appellate, 5.17.2022
•New Ruling in Favor of CSK Client Clarifying Rules for Assignees on Insurance Policies
Firm News, 3.10.2022

Mark's approach to appellate cases

Mark David Tinker is a Partner in the firm's Tampa office. He is Board Certified in Appellate Practice with The Florida Bar-a status earned by less than two-tenths of one percent of all Florida lawyers-and is the Chair of The Bar’s Appellate Practice Certification Committee. Mr. Tinker maintains an AV Preeminent distinction, the highest available mark for professional excellence issued by…

The kind of cases Mark takes

Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Stetson University College of Law(J.D., cum laude University of Rochester B.A. Psychology and Political Science
—

Mark studied at — in Stetson University College of Law(J.D., cum laude University of Rochester B.A. Psychology and Political Science.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed — in Stetson University College of Law(J.D., cum laude University of Rochester B.A. Psychology and Political Science. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mark D. Tinker's office in Tampa

Mark's primary office is at 500 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 700, Tampa, FL, 33607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.

500 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 700

Tampa, FL 33607

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark D. Tinker — 4.5/5 rating from 17 verified client reviews

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

4.5

17 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark D. Tinker claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark D. Tinker — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark'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; Mark 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 Mark

Mark 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. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mark'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 Mark D. Tinker

How much does it cost to hire Mark for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new appellate clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Mark D. Tinker. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I appeal a workers' compensation decision in Florida?
After my workers' comp claim was denied in Miami, I want to fight it because my injury is legitimate. I’ve consulted with my doctor and have documentation to prove it. I’m looking
1 verified answer · Appellate · Florida
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

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

Mark D. Tinker, Appellate Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Quick answer