Kristin A. Norse

Kristin A. Norse: Leading Appellate and Civil Litigation Attorney in Tampa

Kristin A. Norse is a highly respected and accomplished appellate and civil litigation attorney with over 30 years of dedicated experience. Recognized as the 2024 Tampa “Lawyer of the Year” for Appellate Practice – an honor she has previously earned in 2020 and 2022 – Ms. Norse consistently delivers exceptional results for individuals and businesses facing complex legal challenges. Her extensive background, encompassing over 20 years representing clients in trial and appellate courts, coupled with ten years as a senior staff attorney for the Honorable Chris W. Altenbernd at the Second District Court of Appeal, positions her as a formidable advocate and strategic legal counsel.

Ms. Norse specializes in providing comprehensive support throughout the litigation process, from initial assessment and strategic planning through trial and appellate arguments. She has successfully represented clients in well over 100 cases across a diverse range of legal areas, including complex commercial disputes, significant personal injury claims, employment disputes, civil rights litigation, and family law appeals. Her expertise extends to providing crucial litigation support, encompassing in-depth legal research, the drafting of dispositive motions and responses, and the compelling presentation of arguments on critical legal issues – particularly in complex, class action litigation.

Currently serving as Chair of the Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, Ms. Norse's contributions extend beyond direct representation. She is also a valued member of the Editorial Board for the American Bar Association's Litigation Journal, a testament to her commitment to advancing legal knowledge and best practices. Her past leadership roles within the Florida Bar – including Past Chair of the Appellate Practice Section and Appellate Court Rules Committee, Past President of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, and former member of the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough County Bar Association – demonstrate her deep engagement within the legal community.

The recognition Ms. Norse has received from leading legal organizations speaks volumes about her capabilities and dedication. She has been consistently named in Best Attorney USA as a leading appellate practitioner, listed in THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA for appellate practice and bet-the-company litigation, and recognized as one of Florida Super Lawyers for appellate practice. She was also named by Florida Trend as a 2020 FLORIDA LEGAL ELITE for appellate practice. Furthermore, the Florida Justice Association awarded her the S. Victor Tipton Award in 2025 for “superior achievement in legal writing,” acknowledging her exceptional legal writing skills and strategic advocacy. The Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers honored her with their HAWL Achievement Award, recognizing her commitment to promoting women in the legal profession and her outstanding career achievements.

Ms. Norse’s professional recognition isn’t solely based on accolades; it’s rooted in a dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice while actively striving to advance opportunities for others in the legal profession. She has been awarded the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit’s Professionalism in the Practice of Law Award and two President’s Awards from The Florida Bar – one for her service on the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence Tools & Resources and the other for her work on the Special Committee on Opportunity in the Practice of Law. These honors reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and her impactful contributions to the legal community.

Practice Areas:
Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation

Awards:
Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Tampa (2026), Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Tampa (2024), Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Tampa (2022), Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Tampa (2020), Recognized: Appellate Practice, Recognized: Bet-the-Company Litigation, Recipient of the Florida Justice Association’s S. Victor Tipton Award, 2025, AV® Preeminent™ Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Tampa Magazine Top Lawyer, Appellate Practice, 2021, Recipient of Hillsborough County Bar Association Professionalism Award, 2021

Affiliations:
Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section, Florida Bar Appellate Court Rules Committee, Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers, Hillsborough County Bar Association

Education:
Extensive legal experience and leadership roles within the Florida Bar system.

Bar Admissions:
Florida Bar