BACKGROUND
Jim began practicing law in 1988 with Holland & Knight. In 2008, he formed his own ten lawyer firm which focused exclusively on civil litigation. In 2018, in order to better serve his clients, Jim once again began his own firm, James C. Valenti, P.A.
Before starting his legal practice, Jim worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s office while attending the University of South Florida where he graduated Cum Laude, earning a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. He went on to attend the University of Florida College of Law and obtained his Juris Doctorate, with honors, in the top 10% of his graduating class. He is included in the less than one percent of Florida lawyers board certified in both Business Litigation and Civil Trial.
Jim is a charter member of the Willson American Inn of Court, an organization dedicated to improving ethics and professionalism among trial lawyers, as well as a member of the Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an organization dedicated to defending the American civil justice system. Jim is also a Past President of the Polk County Trial Lawyers Association.
ADMISSIONS
Florida Bar, 1988
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
Florida Middle District Bankruptcy Court
PROFESSIONAL
Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar
Board Certified in Business Litigation by the Florida Bar
AV rated attorney, Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, 1989-Present
Willson American Inns of Court, Charter Member
Lakeland Bar Association, Board of Governors
Served as Chair of the 10th Judicial Circuit Bench/Bar Committee
American Board of Trial Advocates- Member
EDUCATION
University of South Florida,
B.A. (1984)
Cum Laude
University of Florida College of Law,
J.D. (1988)
With Honors, Phi Kappa Phi, Order of the Coif