At Rogers Towers, collaboration across disciplines is part of the firm’s DNA. The recent “Hall Case” litigation (Clay County Port, Inc. vs. City of Green Cove Springs, Florida, ET AL.) is a prime example, bringing together land use expertise, trial advocacy, and appellate strategy to protect a family’s development rights in Green Cove Springs. At the appellate stage, the case was entrusted to Cristine M. “Cristy” Russell, a Board-Certified Appellate Specialist who has been with Rogers Towers for 25 years.

For Russell, the Hall case was more than just another appeal. It was an opportunity to safeguard a family’s property rights, partner with local government, and secure not only a decisive legal win but also the recovery of attorneys’ fees for her clients.

The Case: Defending Property Rights Against Airport Zoning Claims

The dispute centered on a 13.92-acre parcel owned by the Hall family, longtime property owners in Green Cove Springs. In 2022, the City, a co-defendant, rezoned the property from industrial to Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow multifamily residential development. The rezoning received support from City staff and approval following three public hearings.

Soon after, a nearby operator of a private airstrip filed suit, citing conflicts with Florida’s airport zoning statute (Chapter 333, Florida Statutes) and the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Rogers Towers’ trial team, partners Fred Franklin and T.R. Hainline, successfully defended the rezoning in court.

When the case moved to Florida’s Fifth District Court of Appeal, Russell took the lead, focusing the appellate arguments on the inapplicability of Chapter 333 and the comprehensive nature of the City’s review process. In January 2025, the appellate court affirmed the trial court’s ruling and granted recovery of attorneys’ fees for both trial and appellate phases.

“This case was especially meaningful,” Russell reflects. “It involved protecting a family who had owned the property for years, helping them through a difficult process, and ultimately ensuring they were made whole financially. That combination was very gratifying.”

A Career Built on Appellate Advocacy

Russell has practiced law at Rogers Towers since 2000, working for more than 20 years to develop the firm’s appellate practice. From her first argument before an appellate court in 2003 to her Florida Bar certification as a Board-Certified Appellate Specialist in 2015, she has dedicated her career to sharpening the craft of persuasive, strategic appellate advocacy.

“I always knew I wanted to be an appellate lawyer,” she explains. “When I joined the firm, there wasn’t a dedicated appellate practice, but the partners supported me in building it. Over time, as more cases came my way, I was able to focus exclusively on appeals and develop that expertise.”

Today, Russell is a trusted resource across the firm’s practice groups, stepping into cases ranging from land use to commercial disputes and personal injury defense. “As an appellate lawyer, I get to work on a wide variety of cases,” she says. “The challenge is taking complicated issues, whether statutory, regulatory, or constitutional, and distilling them into clear, compelling arguments for judges who may not deal with those issues every day.”

Philosophy: Counselor and Advocate

Russell describes her role as both counselor and advocate. “A lawyer isn’t just an advocate in the courtroom,” she notes. “We’re also counselors, guiding clients through stressful and often overwhelming situations. In the Hall case, that meant not only defending against meritless claims but also helping a family understand the process and feel supported every step of the way.”

She emphasizes that part of the appellate lawyer’s job is education, helping courts navigate unfamiliar areas of law and helping clients understand how long and complex litigation can be. “It’s about boiling the case down to what really matters and making it manageable for everyone involved,” she says.

A Personal Touch

Beyond her professional achievements, Russell is deeply connected to Jacksonville. Although she grew up in South Florida, both of her parents were Jacksonville natives and graduates of Bishop Kenny High School. After earning her law degree at the University of Florida and clerking for a federal judge in Jacksonville, she chose to make the city her home.

This year marks her 25th anniversary at Rogers Towers. During that time, she has watched the firm continue its long-standing commitment to fostering talent, including supporting women attorneys in leadership roles. “I’ve always felt that Rogers Towers was a place where the only standard was the quality of your work and how you serve clients,” she says. “That culture has made all the difference.”

Outside of work, Russell shares her life with her mother and two golden retrievers, whom she affectionately calls her “kids.”

A Case that Reflects a Career

The Hall case exemplifies Russell’s style: thoughtful, precise, and client-focused. It showcased her ability to work seamlessly with trial lawyers and local government, refine complex legal arguments, and deliver results that truly matter to her clients.

“For me, the most rewarding part of this case wasn’t just winning,” she says. “It was making sure that our clients—a family who had invested so much in this property—were fully protected, both in their rights and in their resources. That’s why I do this work.”

About Cristine M. Russell

  • Position: Shareholder, Appellate Law
  • Joined Rogers Towers: 2000
  • Florida Bar Board-Certified Appellate Specialist (since 2015)
  • Education: University of Florida Levin College of Law (J.D., with honors); Davidson College (B.A., cum laude)
  • Practice Focus: Appellate advocacy across civil litigation, land use, real estate, and business disputes