top of page

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 

bottom of page