Shutts & Bowen appellate partner Stephen T. Maher, who prevailed in litigation for banks, lenders, insurers and franchise companies, died Saturday at 69 surrounded by family and close friends.

Maher practiced law for 43 years in administrative law, litigation and appellate review. He handled cases in three federal circuits, the Florida Supreme Court and all five district courts of appeal in Florida.

He was a faculty member at the University of Miami School of Law before joining Shutts and was an alum. He also directed UM's clinical program and coached its moot court teams.

Maher joined the law firm part-time in 1998 and became a full-time partner in 2003.

In 2016, he received an award from the Florida Army National Guard for his pro bono work with military attorneys on legal strategy and appellate procedures for soldiers facing courts-martial.

He also served as project director for a publication offering consumer information about legal problems created by Hurricane Andrew.

His legal writings focused on clinical legal education, lawyers and lawyering, and Florida administrative law.

Maher chaired the administrative law section and the Council of Sections of the Florida Bar. He was a former executive committee member and life member of the Florida Bar Foundation.

He is survived by two daughters, Meaghan Wolfe Maher and Caitlin Wolfe Maher, and two granddaughters.

A celebration of life is planned at 1 p.m. Dec. 29 at Bay Shore Lutheran Church at 5051 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Donations may be made to Legal Services of Greater Miami Inc.