TAMPA, FL — Duane A. Daiker, a distinguished appellate lawyer and longtime Shumaker attorney, has joined the faculty of his alma mater, the University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law, as a Legal Skills Professor and Director of Advocacy.
This opportunity allows Duane to focus more fully on teaching, mentoring, and shaping the next generation of lawyers. Drawing on more than three decades of legal practice and appellate experience, he will help students build the skills, judgment, and confidence needed to succeed in the profession.
He will also remain affiliated with Shumaker as Of Counsel, continuing his longstanding relationship with the firm.
Duane has been actively involved in every aspect of the appellate community, including service as a member of the Executive Council and former Chair of the Appellate Practice Section of The Florida Bar, a 1,700-member organization of lawyers and judges devoted to promoting excellence in appellate practice. He also served as past chair of The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Certification Standing Committee and is a past and current member of the Appellate Court Rules Committee, having served from 2012 to 2018 and again from 2024 to the present.
"Returning to the University of Florida Levin College of Law is both a professional honor and a deeply personal milestone," said Duane. "The opportunity to devote myself more fully to educating future lawyers is incredibly meaningful and I am grateful for the chance to give back to the institution that started my own legal career."
As Director of Advocacy, Duane will help strengthen and advance advocacy training programs at the Levin College of Law, supporting students as they develop the skills essential for effective written and oral advocacy. His combination of real-world legal experience, appellate leadership, and dedication to mentoring will provide students with valuable insight into the practice of law.
"Duane has made an extraordinary impact throughout his career, both as an attorney and mentor," said Jennifer Compton, Managing Partner & Chair, Management Committee at Shumaker. "His commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the development of young lawyers has always been evident. The University of Florida is gaining an exceptional educator and role model, and we are pleased that he will continue his affiliation with Shumaker."