A Partner in Shumaker's Litigation & Disputes Service Line, James focuses his practice on complex business litigation. He represents businesses, business owners, and shareholders in high-stakes disputes in state and federal courts. James is recognized for his analytical precision and his ability to develop litigation strategies that protect the long-term operational and financial interests of his clients.
James has extensive experience in:
- Litigating shareholder and partnership disputes, including derivative actions, fiduciary duty claims, and corporate governance issues
- Representing clients in breach of contract, fraud, defamation, unfair competition, and other business disputes
- Representing landlords and property owners in lease disputes, eviction proceedings, and real estate-related litigation
His litigation practice spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, hospitality, health care, real estate, and technology.
Before joining Shumaker, James spent two years serving as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joel DeVore of the Oregon Court of Appeals. A Sarasota native, James currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.
Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, their toddler, and their two dogs; weightlifting; traveling; boating; and playing guitar.
Education
J.D., magna cum laude, Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College
B.S., magna cum laude, Geography, University of South Florida
Professional and Community Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Multnomah County Bar Association
- Clark County Bar Association
- Sarasota County Bar Association, Membership Committee
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast Sarasota Community, Board of Directors
- Leadership Sarasota, Class of 2026
Honors
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2025–2026
- SRQ Elite Top Attorneys, 2025
- Lewis & Clark Law Review, Lead Article Editor
- Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Regional Team
- Moot Court Honors Board
- Tonkon Torp Merit Scholarship, 2015–2016
- Best Oral Advocate Award, 1L Moot Court Competition
Representative Matters
- Successfully represented a business and its owner through trial, defeated a multimillion-dollar personal guarantee claim against the business owner, and obtained recovery of the client's attorney fees
- Successfully defended the manager of numerous LLCs in high-stakes, related lawsuits seeking more than $10 million brought by a collective of investors
- Represented a major hospital in a multimillion-dollar contract dispute with another regional hospital
- Vacated a default judgment and recovered attorney’s fees for an international brewery in a contract dispute with a U.S.-based manufacturer
- Successfully defended a national wireless provider in numerous consumer arbitration proceedings
- Successfully obtained emergency injunctive relief and attorney’s fees for a large hospital in a false advertising dispute against a health insurance company
- Represented a solid waste and recycling company in franchise disputes involving local governments and private competitors
- Represented a major railroad in complex environmental litigation matters
- Successfully defended corporate officers in multiple shareholder disputes involving allegations of fiduciary breach and mismanagement