J.D. Zarate, Employment Attorney in Tampa, Florida
focused on Employment and Litigation
Tampa, FL
Trusted employment attorney serving Tampa.
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Quick answer
J.D. Zarate is an attorney based in Tampa, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
- Based in
- Tampa, FLORIDA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Tampa, FLORIDA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026).
About J.D. Zarate: J.D. Zarate is an attorney based in Tampa, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Legal matters J.D. takes on
J.D. concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case J.D. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Tampa, Florida
J.D. takes employment matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J.D. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tampa, Florida
J.D. takes litigation matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J.D. agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet J.D. Zarate — employment lawyer in Tampa
J.D. Zarate is an attorney based in Tampa, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.
J.D. is a business litigation attorney and trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in a wide variety of high-stakes commercial disputes across state and federal courts in Florida. His litigation practice focuses on breach of contract claims, business torts, non-compete and restrictive covenant enforcement, trade secret misappropriation and intellectual property matters, partnership and shareholder disputes, class actions, and administrative or regulatory issues.
With experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, J.D. combines strategic litigation skills with industry-specific insight across healthcare, commercial real estate, SaaS, consumer packaged goods (CPG), industrial electronics, financial services, and aesthetic and cosmetic services. Clients rely on his extensive courtroom experience and pragmatic, business-focused approach to protect their interests, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes effectively.
In addition to litigation, J.D. serves as outside counsel to businesses on contract review and negotiation, employment law issues, and day-to-day operational matters, helping clients align legal strategy with business objectives.
How J.D. handles employment matters
J.D. is a business litigation attorney and trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in a wide variety of high-stakes commercial disputes across state and federal courts in Florida. His litigation practice focuses on breach of contract claims, business torts, non-compete and restrictive covenant enforcement, trade secret misappropriation and intellectual property matters, partnership…
Who J.D. represents
J.D. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Notre Dame
—
University of Florida
B.S. & B.A.
Jurisdictions
J.D.'s state bar admissions
Florida, The Florida
ACTIVE
J.D. studied at — in University of Notre Dame and B.S. & B.A. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
J.D. completed — in University of Notre Dame and B.S. & B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J.D. runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
J.D. has received 10 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — in America
2026
Best Lawyers in America — from 2023-2025 for work in:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2025
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2024
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2023
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Health Care Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — in America (2026). Best Lawyers in America — from 2023-2025 for work in: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2025 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2024 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants - 2023 (2026).
Locations
J.D. Zarate's office in Tampa
J.D.'s primary office is at 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 1900, Tampa, Florida, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of J.D. Zarate
J.D. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire J.D. Zarate — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J.D. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J.D. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.D.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; J.D. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for J.D.
J.D. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. J.D. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.D.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J.D. Zarate
How much does it cost to hire J.D. for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J.D. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J.D. offer a free consultation?
J.D. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.D.'s office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check J.D.'s current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Florida typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J.D. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J.D. take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
J.D. is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J.D. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with J.D.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J.D. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J.D. accepting new employment clients right now?
J.D.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
J.D. handles employment matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
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If J.D.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





