James Jay Porter, General Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Real Estate · 4.4/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Partner, TransactionsatAkerman LLP
Tampa, FL
Practicing general in Tampa since 1990.
- 36+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James Jay Porter?
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Quick answer
James Jay Porter is a partner, transactions based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Real Estate. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 36 years
- Known for
- General · Government · Real Estate
- Handles General, Government, and Real Estate matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Jay Porter: James Jay Porter is a partner, transactions based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Real Estate. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Tampa
James concentrates on general, government, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Government
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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General cases in Tampa, Florida
James takes general 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 James agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Tampa, Florida
James takes government 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 James agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Tampa, Florida
James takes real estate 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 James agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Tampa, Florida
James takes zoning 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Jay Porter, general attorney serving Tampa
James Jay Porter is a partner, transactions based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Real Estate. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Akerman LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. James works from Tampa, Florida and takes on general matters across the region.
James Jay Porter is a lawyer practicing county & local govt law, county and local government law, city and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Bethany College in 1986, and has been licensed for 36 years. James practices at Akerman LLP in Tampa, FL.
Working with James on a general matter
James Jay Porter is a lawyer practicing county & local govt law, county and local government law, city and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Bethany College in 1986, and has been licensed for 36 years. James practices at Akerman LLP in Tampa, FL.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and real estate matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Emory University School of Law
J.D. · 1989
Bethany College
B.A. · 1986
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Florida
1990 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Emory University School of Law and B.A. in Bethany College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Emory University School of Law and B.A. in Bethany College. 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
James's legal honors and published work
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
Chair •Arts Council of Hillsborough County, Former Chairman •Tampa Theater Transition Committee, Former Chairman
membership
Locations
James Jay Porter's office in Tampa
James's primary office is at 401 East Jackson Street, Suite 1700, Tampa, FL, 33602-5803. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Jay Porter — 4.4/5 rating from 2 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 general attorneys in Tampa.
4.4
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Jay Porter claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Jay Porter — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Jay Porter
How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Florida typically take?
Simple general 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 Tampa?
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 general 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
General attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
James handles general matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general 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
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