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Kathleen Ellen Bente, Appellate Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Entertainment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior AssociateatDavid J. Valdini & Associates, P.A.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Practicing appellate in Fort Lauderdale since 1982.

44+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

Are you Kathleen Ellen Bente?

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Quick answer

Kathleen Ellen Bente is a senior associate based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Entertainment. Kathleen has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Experience
over 44 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · Entertainment
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Entertainment matters from Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Kathleen Ellen Bente: Kathleen Ellen Bente is a senior associate based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Entertainment. Kathleen has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Kathleen Ellen Bente

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

Appellate cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kathleen takes appellate matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kathleen takes business matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kathleen takes entertainment matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

General cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kathleen takes general matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Kathleen takes litigation matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Kathleen Ellen Bente — Over 44 years of Florida appellate experience

Kathleen Ellen Bente is a senior associate based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Entertainment. Kathleen has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Ms. Kathleen Ellen Bente is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, commercial litigation and 4 other areas of law. Kathleen received a A.A. degree from Miami Dade Community College in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Kathleen practices at David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

How Kathleen handles appellate matters

Ms. Kathleen Ellen Bente is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, civil litigation, commercial litigation and 4 other areas of law. Kathleen received a A.A. degree from Miami Dade Community College in 1976, and has been licensed for 44 years. Kathleen practices at David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Who Kathleen represents

Kathleen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and entertainment matters in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Kathleen Ellen Bente's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Florida

    J.D. · 1982

  • Miami Dade Community College

    A.A. University · 1976

Jurisdictions

Kathleen's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • Florida

    1982 · ACTIVE

Kathleen studied at J.D. in University of Florida and A.A. University in Miami Dade Community College.

Law school and academic background

Kathleen completed J.D. in University of Florida and A.A. University in Miami Dade Community College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kathleen runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Kathleen Ellen Bente

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

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Kathleen's professional memberships and bar associations

  • The Florida Bar (Member, Construction Law Committee, 1983—) The Association of Trial Lawyers of America American Bar Association Member Forum on the Construction Industry

    membership

Locations

Kathleen Ellen Bente's office in Fort Lauderdale

Kathleen's primary office is at 5353 N. Federal Highway, Suite 303, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

David J. Valdini & Associates, P.A.

5353 N. Federal Highway, Suite 303

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Kathleen Ellen Bente — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kathleen Ellen Bente claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Kathleen Ellen Bente — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Kathleen

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Kathleen'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 Kathleen Ellen Bente

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

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

  • Does Kathleen offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can Kathleen take my case if I'm outside Fort Lauderdale?

    Kathleen 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 — Kathleen 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 Kathleen?

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

  • Is Kathleen accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Kathleen'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 Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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