Biography

James A. Edwards, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and Certified Mediator, is a native of Orlando. Jim has represented clients in state and federal courts throughout Florida and the Caribbean.  During his 30 years of practice, he has litigated cases ranging from straight forward automobile accidents to complex commercial matters to highly technical products liability claims.  Mr. Edwards has litigated cases involving banking, bonds, civil rights claims, corporate and partnership dispute, employment matters, false arrest and imprisonment, and franchise claims.  Over the years, he has represented individuals who were injured or families who lost loved ones due to the negligence of others.

The product liability and warranty cases Jim has handled involved pharmaceutical and household  products, automobiles, trucks, forklifts, manufacturing equipment, chemical sensitivity, toxic torts, construction equipment, sporting goods, and garden equipment.  Many of his product liability clients are multi-national or foreign corporations, giving Jim a great deal of experience contesting jurisdictional matters..

Jim represents clients in state and federal appeals involving cases that have been tried by his or other firms.  Maintaining a client's win from a hard fought trial or reversing an injustice through appellate review has always been an important part of Mr. Edwards practice.

Mediation is an integral part of modern complex litigation. Jim is a certified circuit court mediator and authorized to handle appellate and federal court mediations in Florida.  As a neutral mediator, he helps individuals and businesses resolve a wide variety of disputes.  For the firm's clients, Mr. Edwards is involved in evaluating and developing strategies to obtain maximum results during settlement negotiations and mediations.

Admissions

Florida - all state and federal courts
U.S Courts of Appeal for the Third and Eleventh Circuit
United States Supreme Court 

Education

Auburn University, BA with high honors 1976
University of Florida College of Law JD with high honors 1979 (Order of the Coif, Moot Court team, Appellate Advocacy instructor)

Professional Memberships and Associations

AmericanBoard of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel (NARTC)
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
Florida Bar: Member of Bar and Trial Lawyers Section, Appellate Practice Section, Equal Employment Opportunities Section
Member of Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism 2003-2009
Current Member Judicial Independence Committee of Florida Bar
Orange County Bar Association
(Florida) - Member of Appellate Practice, Judicial Relations and Professionalism Committees

Honors and Awards

AV rated Martindale Hubbel
Recognized as a Super Lawyer (litigation) in Florida, 2003 through 2009
Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer by Florida Supreme Court