Shutts & Bowen LLP is pleased to announce that Jeffrey P. DeSousa has joined the firm’s Tallahassee office as a partner in the Appellate Practice Group.
Jeffrey brings more than a decade of appellate experience, having represented both criminal defendants and the State of Florida in criminal and constitutional appeals. His practice focuses on appellate advocacy and constitutional litigation.
Jeffrey joins the firm after seven years with the Florida Office of the Attorney General. Jeffrey served under former Florida Attorney General and now U.S. Senator Ashley Moody and under current Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. His experience includes more than a year as Florida’s Acting Solicitor General. He also served as Chief Deputy Solicitor General, where he helped shape the state’s litigation strategy in criminal appeals and complex constitutional matters. Jeffrey frequently argues before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Florida Supreme Court. He has argued 26 cases in front of the Florida Supreme Court, a leading number among current practicing appellate practitioners.
“I am thrilled to join Shutts & Bowen and its exceptional appellate team,” said Jeffrey. “The firm has a stellar reputation throughout Florida, and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to help our clients navigate complex legal challenges.”
Jeffrey's arrival reflects the firm’s continued strategic growth in Florida’s capital, highlighted by the recent grand opening of its expanded Tallahassee office, which more than triples the office’s previous footprint.
“With the continued growth of our Tallahassee team, we are investing in both the people and the resources that allow us to deliver exceptional service to our clients,” said Benjamin J. Gibson, Managing Partner of Shutts & Bowen’s Tallahassee office. “Our expanded office reflects the momentum we have built and our commitment to both maintaining a strong presence in Florida’s capital and meeting the evolving needs of our clients.”
The Tallahassee office has grown significantly over the past year, welcoming five new attorneys, including experienced trial and appellate attorney Andy Bardos and two former Florida Supreme Court clerks. That growth builds on the 2024 arrival of Ricky Polston, former Justice and Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. Together, these attorneys strengthen the firm’s capabilities in appellate litigation, constitutional law, government law and other complex legal matters across Florida.
About Shutts & Bowen LLP
Shutts & Bowen LLP, established in 1910, is a full-service business law firm with approximately 280 lawyers in offices in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Sarasota, Tallahassee, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Learn more about Shutts & Bowen at www.shutts.com.