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Atty. James E. Felman

Atty. James E. Felman

James E. Felman has concentrated his practice of law in the defense of complex criminal matters and related civil litigation for over 30 years.

Tampa Tampa 38 yrs experience 38 year
Call (813) 229-1118

Profile Summary

About James E. Felman at a glance

James E. Felman is an attorney based in Tampa, Florida, practforg at Kynes, Markman & Felman PA. They haand 38+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1988. Admitted to practice in Florida, The Florida Bar (1988). Educated at Duke University (JD, 1987) and Duke University (MA Phil., 1987). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Tampa) (2026), Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa) (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Serands clients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James E. Felman has concentrated his practice of law in the defense of complex criminal matters and related civil litigation for over 30 years
  • Mr. Felman represents clients in federal and state matters in every phase of the criminal process -- investigation, trial, sentencing, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings
  • He has represented clients in a wide range of matters, including allegations of bank fraud, health care fraud, mail and wire fraud, securities fraud, public corruption, environmental crimes, antitrust violations, synthetic/illegal drugs, illegal gambling, child abuse/ pornography, and murder
  • Mr. Felman has also devoted a significant portion of his professional efforts to legal reform and policy work
  • He has testified on an array of topics before the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and Sentencing Commission, and frequently writes and speaks on criminal justice policy issues
  • He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and serves as Chair of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Task Force on First Step Act Implementation
  • He also serves as Chair of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section’s Task Force on First Step Act Implementation
  • He is a Past Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association and is the ABA’s Past Liaison to the United States Sentencing Commission
  • He was a founding member of the Steering Committee of Clemency Project 2014 and is former Co-Chair of the Practitioners’ Advisory Group to the United States Sentencing Commission
  • Mr. Felman is a graduate of Wake Forest University, B.A. cum laude, 1984, and Duke University, M.A
  • Phil. and J.D. with high honors (Order of the Coif), 1987
  • Following law school, he was a law clerk to Judge Theodore McMillian of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practforg law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Tampa are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tampa or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James E. Felman

Where is James E. Felman's law office located?
James E. Felman's law practice is located in Tampa, Florida. The firm is Kynes, Markman & Felman PA. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has James E. Felman practiced law?
James E. Felman has 38+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1988.
Where did James E. Felman go to law school?
James E. Felman earned their education at (JD, 1987); (MA Phil., 1987); (BA, 1984).
How can I contact James E. Felman for a consultation?
You can contact James E. Felman directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James E. Felman receiandd?
James E. Felman's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Tampa); Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa); Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice.

Education

JD
Duke University
- 1987
MA Phil.
Duke University
- 1987
BA
Wake Forest University
- 1984

Awards

Lawyer of the Year — Bet-the-Company Litigation (Tampa)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Appeals
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Investigations
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Drug Offenses
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Grand Jury
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — State and Federal
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Vehicular Manslaughter
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Violent and Nonviolent Crimes
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Marcelino "Bubba" Huerta III Award for Pro Bono Service and the Pursuit of Equal Justice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — George C. Carr Memorial Award for Excellance in Federal Practice
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Tampa)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Tampa)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Tampa)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Tampa)
- 2015
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice (Tampa)
- 2014
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Tampa)
- 2012
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Tampa)
- 2011

Bar Admissions

Florida, The Florida Bar
Admitted: 1988

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