James Clayton Runyon, Adoption Attorney in St Petersburg, Florida
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Family Law · 4.3/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
MemberatThemis Law Group
St Petersburg, FL
Practicing adoption in St Petersburg since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James Clayton Runyon?
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Quick answer
James Clayton Runyon is a member based in St. Petersburg, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Family Law. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Themis Law Group. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- St. Petersburg, FL
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Adoption · ADR · Family Law
- Handles Adoption, ADR, and Family Law matters from St. Petersburg, FL.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Clayton Runyon: James Clayton Runyon is a member based in St. Petersburg, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Family Law. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Themis Law Group. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Clayton Runyon
James concentrates on adoption, adr, family law, and juvenile. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Adoption
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ADR
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Family Law
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Juvenile
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Adoption cases in St Petersburg, Florida
James takes adoption matters in St Petersburg, 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 James agrees to represent you.
ADR cases in St Petersburg, Florida
James takes adr matters in St Petersburg, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in St Petersburg, Florida
James takes family law matters in St Petersburg, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in St Petersburg, Florida
James takes juvenile matters in St Petersburg, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James Clayton Runyon — Over 37 years of Florida adoption experience
James Clayton Runyon is a member based in St. Petersburg, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Family Law. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Themis Law Group. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
James Clayton Runyon is a lawyer practicing juvenile law, mediation, adoption and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Florida in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Themis Law Group in St. Petersburg, FL.
How James handles adoption matters
James Clayton Runyon is a lawyer practicing juvenile law, mediation, adoption and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Florida in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Themis Law Group in St. Petersburg, FL.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and family law matters in St Petersburg and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
James Clayton Runyon's legal education and bar admissions
Stetson University
J.D. · 1988
University of Florida
B.S. · 1986
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Florida
1989 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Stetson University and B.S. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Stetson University and B.S. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Clayton Runyon
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
St
membership
Petersburg Bar Association The Florida Bar
Member, Sections on: Family and General Practice Trial Lawyers · membership
Locations
James Clayton Runyon's office in St. Petersburg
James's primary office is at 125 28th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL, 33713. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Clayton Runyon — 4.3/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in St Petersburg.
4.3
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Clayton Runyon claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Clayton Runyon — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adoption attorney in St Petersburg, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adoption 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Clayton Runyon
How much does it cost to hire James for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Florida typically take?
Simple adoption 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside St Petersburg?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new adoption clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Adoption attorneys serving St Petersburg, Miami and Tampa in Florida
James handles adoption matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 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
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated adoption attorneys in Florida
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in St Petersburg handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





