Susan Smith Erdelyi

Susan Smith Erdelyi, Appellate Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

ShareholderatMarks Gray, P.A.

Jacksonville, FL

Practicing appellate in Jacksonville since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
2 client reviews
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Susan Smith Erdelyi is a shareholder based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marks Gray, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Jacksonville, FL
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Appellate · Civil Rights · Employment
  • Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment matters from Jacksonville, FL.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Susan Smith Erdelyi: Susan Smith Erdelyi is a shareholder based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marks Gray, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Susan Smith Erdelyi

Susan concentrates on appellate, civil rights, employment, entertainment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Susan takes appellate matters in Jacksonville, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Susan takes civil rights matters in Jacksonville, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Susan takes employment matters in Jacksonville, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Susan takes entertainment matters in Jacksonville, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

General cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Susan takes general matters in Jacksonville, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Susan Smith Erdelyi — Over 39 years of Florida appellate experience

Susan Smith Erdelyi is a shareholder based in Jacksonville, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. Susan has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marks Gray, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Susan S. Erdelyi practice is focused on employment and civil rights. As the City Attorney for the City of Jacksonville Beach, Ms. Erdelyi represents public entities, including municipalities and counties. She also represents private employers and employees, on a selective basis.

Ms. Erdelyi has litigated claims for wrongful termination, disability, age, race and gender discrimination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, whistle blower, First Amendment discrimination, due process, unpaid wages and other employment and civil rights issues.

Ms. Erdelyi is also a frequent speaker on employment law topics at seminars and client presentations.

Ms. Erdelyi is a member of the Florida Bar Association (Labor and Employment Section and Trial Section), Florida Defense Lawyers Association; (Chair, Employment Committee – 2000, Board of Directors 2002-2006), American Bar Association (Employment and Labor Section and Civil Rights Section), Jacksonville Federal Bar Association; Jacksonville Bar Association; and Defense Research Institute (Employment Law Committee; and Governmental Liability Committee) and the Chester Bedell Inns of Court (Master). Since 2009, she has been the City Attorney for the City of Jacksonville Beach, appointed by the Jacksonville Beach City Council on November 3, 2008. Ms. Erdelyi was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in Employment Law – Management; Government Relations Practice; Litigation – Labor and Employment. Ms. Erdelyi has been selected to the Florida Super Lawyers® every year since 2010.

She currently serves on the Transparency Task Force of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Susan's approach to appellate cases

Susan S. Erdelyi practice is focused on employment and civil rights. As the City Attorney for the City of Jacksonville Beach, Ms. Erdelyi represents public entities, including municipalities and counties. She also represents private employers and employees, on a selective basis. Ms. Erdelyi has litigated claims for wrongful termination, disability, age, race and gender discrimination, sexual…

Clients Susan works with

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and employment matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Susan Smith Erdelyi's legal education and bar admissions

  • Florida State University

    J.D. · 1986

  • Texas Tech University

    B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1997 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • Florida

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Florida State University and B.S. in Texas Tech University.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Florida State University and B.S. in Texas Tech University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Susan Smith Erdelyi

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Susan's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Florida Bar American Bar Association Jacksonville Bar Association Jacksonville Federal Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Susan Smith Erdelyi's office in Jacksonville

Susan's primary office is at Stein Mart Building, 1200 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 800, Jacksonville, FL, 32207-1805. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marks Gray, P.A.

Stein Mart Building, 1200 Riverplace Boulevard, Suite 800

Jacksonville, FL 32207-1805

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan Smith Erdelyi — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Susan Smith Erdelyi claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Susan Smith Erdelyi — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Susan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan'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; Susan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Jacksonville, 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 Susan

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan'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 Susan Smith Erdelyi

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

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

  • Does Susan offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

    Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?

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

  • Is Susan accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Susan'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 Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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