James F. Johnston
About James F. Johnston
James F. Johnston is a lawyer based in Orlando, FL and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2016. James F. Johnston is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Orlando, Florida
- Government Relations Practice
- Real Estate Law
Current Firm: Shutts & Bowen LLP
Education: University of Florida, J.D., graduated 1996
Location: Orlando, FL
Nearby Lawyers
Hugo de Beaubien is a Founding Partner of our firm. He was raised in Birmingham, Michigan, and Ormond Beach, Florida. After receiving an undergraduate degree in business from Florida State University in 1970, he was awarded his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University in 1973. At Stetson, Hugo served as Exchequer of Phi Delta Phi and as President of the senior class. Hugo has been active in the Orange County Bar Association through his service as Chairman of the Criminal Law Section and Legal ...
Steve Maher received his law degree from the University of Southern California. For more than 30 years, he has handled thousands of personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, dangerous drugs and medical devices, patent infringement, automobile negligence, antitrust, and class action lawsuits, helping countless individuals achieve justice after being wronged. Attorney Maher's commitment to success is evident in everything he does. In recognition of his outstanding advocacy and count...
Warren S. Bloom is Co-Chair of the Public Finance Practice and began his legal career with Kaye Scholer in New York City in the mid-1980s concentrating on the representation of lending institutions in leveraged buyouts and "going private" transactions. Upon his relocation to Florida in late 1988, Warren began to focus his practice on public finance and the representation of creditor entities in such transactions (e.g., indenture trustees, bondholders, bond purchasers and credit enhancers). Si...
Kevin Knight received his undergraduate degree with highest honors from the University of Central Florida. While attending law school at Stetson University, he served as Executive Editor of the Law Review and his writing was published in the Stetson Law Review. He was a Dana Scholar and was recipient of the Walter Mann Graduation Award. Kevin has litigated several cases related to personal injury claims, administrative matters, employment matters, real estate contracts, joint ventures, landlo...
Jessica DeBono Anderson is a Partner in the Orlando, Florida office. Since 2008, Ms. Anderson has represented management in employment litigation before state and federal courts in Florida and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Florida Commission on Human Relations, Department of Labor and other administrative agencies. Ms. Anderson has experience litigating issues such as employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, whistleblower, overtime and unpaid wages, leave and ...
Having successfully represented prominent developers and home builders, Robert Poppell maintains a vibrant real estate development and transactional practice. He represents developers of large scale, mixed-use planned developments, as well as residential home builders, in connection with acquisitions, sales, planning, operations, and governance structures for phased and jointly developed communities; developers of neighborhood to regional shopping centers; and end-user, out parcel, and retail...
David E. Cannella is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. David E., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Jarrett Bingemann represents residential homebuilders, master planned community developers, commercial property owners, and institutional investors on all aspects of the evaluation, acquisition, sale, and development of properties throughout the United States. In addition, Jarrett has experience concerning the evaluation, remediation, and the institutional closure of former golf courses and environmentally impacted properties throughout Florida.
Amanda A. Simpson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Amanda A., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amanda A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Paul M. Renner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. Paul M., who practices law in Orlando, Florida, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer