James E. Gillenwater

James Gillenwater has represented clients such as Fortune 100 companies, world leaders, and Olympians in high-stakes international disputes, including trials and arbitrations. His wide-ranging practice spans commercial and securities class actions, business litigation, intellectual property disputes, professional sports work, and products liability cases. James has also handled complex white collar investigations and administrative challenges, securing OFAC delistings and INTERPOL red notice cancellations.

A former captain of the U.S. National Rugby Sevens Team, James brings the same discipline, determination, and team-oriented approach to advocating for his clients. James has first-chaired trials in both state and federal court, handled domestic and international arbitrations before various institutions-including the ICC, AAA, and JAMS-and argued in courts across the country, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

James’s international representations focus on Latin America, and have involved Argentina, Bolivia, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

Judicial Clerkships

•Hon. Robert N. Chatigny, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut, 2012-2013

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Dispute Resolution - General Commercial Disputes, 2024-2025
•Listed, Benchmark Litigation, 'Future Star,' 2025-2026
•Listed, Benchmark Litigation, '40 & Under Hot List,' 2022-2023; 2023-2024
•Listed, South Florida Business Journal, '40 Under 40,' 2022
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 'Ones to Watch,' Litigation - Securities, 2021-2022
•Listed, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 'Pro Bono Honor Roll,' 2021
•Law360, “Legal Lion,” 2020
•Daily Business Review, member of 'Most Effective,' International Litigation team, 2019
•Law360, “Legal Lion,” 2018
•Capital Pro Bono High Honor Roll, 2015