James J. Evangelista

James J. Evangelista is a board-certified civil trial lawyer whose practice is focused primarily in the areas of healthcare, professional liability, medical malpractice litigation, aviation litigation, and catastrophic loss litigation of all types.  Mr. Evangelista regularly represents hospitals, physicians and other medical and allied health professionals; aircraft manufacturers and distributors; aviation-related entities, flight schools, and aviation professionals; lawyers and other professionals; academic institutions and professionals; athletic organizations; pharmacies and pharmacists; medical device and drug manufacturers and insurance companies.  Mr. Evangelista has successfully tried many cases to verdict before juries, judges, and peer review panels.  He has handled many appeals, and regularly presents cases for administrative and peer review. 

In addition to his very active practice, Mr. Evangelista chairs the Firm’s Healthcare and Casualty & Insurance Defense Practice Groups.  Mr. Evangelista is actively involved in assisting many local hospitals, communities, youth sports, and academic organizations with his time and legal guidance.

Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar, 1994-Present

Board Certified in Civil Mediation by The Florida Bar, 2015

The Florida Bar, Trial and Healthcare Law sections

American Bar Association

• Aerospace, Litigation, Health Law, Tort and Insurance Practice Sections
• Professional Liability Litigation Committee

American Board of Trial Advocates, Former President of the Tampa Bay Chapter

American Health Lawyers Association

Defense Research Institute, Aviation and Healthcare Committees

Florida Hospital Association

International Association of Defense Counsel, Casualty Committee, Former Vice-Chair

Florida Bar Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee (2015)

Florida Bar Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Medical and Legal Professionalism Subcommittees (2015)

Recognized in Best Lawyers in America® since 2005
   • Aviation Law
   • Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
   • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
   • Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Named the Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" in Tampa for Professional Malpractice Defense (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024)

Named as Florida's "Legal Elite" by Florida Trend magazine

Named to Top 100 Lawyers by Florida Trend magazine

Recognized as a "Super Lawyer" by Florida Super Lawyers magazine

Named to Top 100 Lawyers in Florida by Florida Super Lawyers magazine

Named to Top 50 Lawyers in Tampa by Florida Super Lawyers magazine

AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated, by Martindale-Hubbell®

Mr. Evangelista was born in Rochester, New York and raised in Fairport, New York.

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