James Clark Polkinghorn

James Clark Polkinghorn, ADR Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Appellate, and Employment · 4.6/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

PartneratFisher & Phillips LLP

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Practicing adr in Fort Lauderdale since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
4.6 ★
10 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James Clark Polkinghorn is a partner based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Employment. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fisher & Phillips LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
ADR · Appellate · Employment
  • Handles ADR, Appellate, and Employment matters from Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James Clark Polkinghorn: James Clark Polkinghorn is a partner based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Employment. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fisher & Phillips LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James Clark Polkinghorn

James concentrates on adr, appellate, employment, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

James takes adr matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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.

Appellate cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

James takes appellate matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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.

Employment cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

James takes employment matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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.

General cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

James takes general matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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.

Insurance cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

James takes insurance matters in Fort Lauderdale, 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 Clark Polkinghorn — Over 43 years of Florida adr experience

James Clark Polkinghorn is a partner based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Employment. James has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fisher & Phillips LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

James Clark Polkinghorn is a lawyer practicing epli, appellate practice, benefits litigation and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, and has been licensed for 43 years. James practices at Fisher & Phillips LLP in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

James's approach to adr cases

James Clark Polkinghorn is a lawyer practicing epli, appellate practice, benefits litigation and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, and has been licensed for 43 years. James practices at Fisher & Phillips LLP in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and employment matters in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

James Clark Polkinghorn's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FL

    J.D. · 1983

  • University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. with honors University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. 1980 Phi Beta Kappa

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    2011 · ACTIVE

  • Florida

    1983 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FL and — in University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. with honors University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. 1980 Phi Beta Kappa.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Florida College of Law, Gainesville, FL and — in University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. with honors University of Florida, Gainesville, FL B.A. 1980 Phi Beta Kappa. 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 Clark Polkinghorn

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

  • Community Jim is a Life Member of the University of Florida Alumni Association and actively participates in the organization's activities

    membership

  • He is also an active member of Gator Boosters of Key West and the Sigma Chi Fraternity Alumni Association

    membership

  • Professional Activities Jim is active in the Litigation and Labor and Employment Sections of the ABA

    membership

  • He also actively participates in professional mediator organizations

    membership

Locations

James Clark Polkinghorn's office in Fort Lauderdale

James's primary office is at Suite 800, 450 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fisher & Phillips LLP

Suite 800, 450 East Las Olas Boulevard

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Clark Polkinghorn — 4.6/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

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 adr attorneys in Fort Lauderdale.

4.6

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Clark Polkinghorn — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Clark Polkinghorn

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple adr 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 Fort Lauderdale?

    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 adr 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

ADR attorneys serving Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa in Florida

James handles adr matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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