James T. Ferrara

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“Clients shouldn’t be given tough-sounding quotes from the ‘The Art of War,’ then have their attorneys run at the first sign of battle.  I’m not afraid to fight for my clients.  I provide them an objective evaluation of their position early in the case. Then, together, we can make pragmatic decisions about the litigation strategy.”

--James Ferrara, Litigation & Dispute Resolution

An experienced trial attorney, Jim has tried approximately 40 trials through jury or non-jury verdict, and has 12 published appellate opinions before Florida District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. Of the many cases Jim has tried, he has developed a special interest in litigation surrounding both the construction industry and commercial contract disputes. 

It is only natural that Jim would have developed a keen interest in the legal issues affecting construction and real estate development. For many years, while working his way through college and law school, Jim was employed in the construction field. Today, Jim combines his “hands-on” (no pun intended) construction experience and his legal know-how to resolve the issues affecting the interests of developers, contractors, sub contractors, unit owners, condominium and homeowners associations, and land owners. This can involve litigation arising out of real estate transactions, construction defects, mechanics liens, breach of warranties, or general contractual disputes.

“The practice of law takes me to hundreds of areas of knowledge, and requires that I master them all.  One day I have to understand how a building is constructed and, on the next, how to reconstruct a crime scene. My curiosity is always fed.”

Jim is also involved in helping clients’ involved in general commercial disputes and business litigation. He represents clients at trial, in arbitration, or on appeal, for example, regarding corporate and shareholder disputes and contract litigation. An early expertise in insurance coverage analysis and bad faith litigation provides Jim with even more perspective. He can give clients guidance in not only the legal picture but also the big picture.

From Jim’s Case Files

Winning Hands Down for Palm Beach:  The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department was sued for civil-rights violations, relating to their enforcement of Florida’s strict pawnshop laws. Losing the case would have ripped millions of dollars of contraband goods from police custody and had a drastic negative effect on fighting criminal activity in the county. But we convinced the Federal Court that no civil rights had been violated, and the loot remained with police.

Protecting a Widow’s Rights:  Upon the death of her husband, a widowed shareholder found herself being taken advantage of by her husband’s business partners, who attempted to unlawfully retain assets due her.  We stepped in, and fought for and protected her interests, ensuring that she received proper compensation from the company.

**"CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies."

Education

• Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D., Dean's List, 1988
• Furman University, B.A., 1985

Bar Admissions & Memberships

• Florida Bar, 1988
• U. S. District for the Southern District of Florida 1989
• U. S. District for the Middle District of Florida, 1993
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2001

Noteworthy

• Cumberland Law Review, Associate Editor

Professional Affiliations

• Florida Bar Grievance Committee (15D), Chairman and Member
• The Florida Bar, Member Appellate Practice and Trial Section
• South Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute, Insurance Coverage, Transportation & Construction Law Committees

Community/Civic Involvement

• National Association of Home Builders, Director
• Gold Coast Builders Association, Board of Directors
• Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Trustee
• YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Board of Directors
• Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Boca