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.
'Bet The Company' Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Tampa, FL · 38+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James E. Felman at a Glance
James E. Felman is a criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and appellate attorney based in Tampa, Florida, practicing at Kynes, Markman & Felman PA. They have 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). Serves clients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About 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
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
James E. Felman's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James E. Felman handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tampa.
Criminal Defense in Tampa
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
James E. Felman is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Florida →
White Collar Crimes in Tampa
James E. Felman is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Florida →
Civil Litigation in Tampa
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
James E. Felman is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →
Appellate Practice in Tampa
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
James E. Felman is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Tampa
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive 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 venue, and the substantive 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.
Tampa Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Tampa-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tampa or all attorneys in Florida.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tampa Choose James E. Felman
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James E. Felman's practice in the field of criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James E. Felman brings 38+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering criminal defense, white collar, and litigation, James E. Felman can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Tampa
A Tampa-based practice means James E. Felman attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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James E. Felman's Practice Areas & Specializations
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