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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Stephen Gardner, General Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on General, HOA, and International · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratGardner Brewer Hudson

Tampa, FL

Practicing general in Tampa since 1969.

57+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

General HOA International Probate Real Estate Trusts

Are you James Stephen Gardner?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

James Stephen Gardner is a partner based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, HOA, and International. James has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gardner Brewer Hudson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Tampa, FL
Experience: over 57 years
Known for: General · HOA · International

Handles General, HOA, and International matters from Tampa, FL.
Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James Stephen Gardner

James concentrates on general, hoa, international, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

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.

HOA cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes hoa 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.

International cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes international 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.

Probate cases in Tampa, Florida

James takes probate 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.

Biography

About James Stephen Gardner — Over 57 years of Florida general experience

James Stephen Gardner is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, bank lending law, community development district (cdd) law and 9 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. James practices at Gardner Brewer Hudson in Tampa, FL.

James's approach to general cases

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, hoa, and international matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

James Stephen Gardner's legal education and bar admissions

University of Florida College of Law
J.D. · 1969
University of Florida
B.A. Mathematics · 1966

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE
Florida
1969 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Florida College of Law and B.A. Mathematics in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Florida College of Law and B.A. Mathematics 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 Stephen Gardner

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Hillsborough County and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar
Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section · membership

Locations

James Stephen Gardner's office in Tampa

James's primary office is at 400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gardner Brewer Hudson

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1100

Tampa, FL 33602

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Stephen Gardner — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Stephen Gardner claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Stephen Gardner — 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 Stephen Gardner

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.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.