James L. Ferraro

Championing Justice with Compassion and Conviction

As the founding partner of Ferraro Law, Jim L. Ferraro has spent more than 40 years representing clients nationwide in high-stakes cases. His work has centered on advocating for victims of negligence and malpractice, particularly in cases related to asbestos exposure, personal injury, environmental law, and wrongful death. Jim’s approach to law is not just about winning cases; it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring fairness for his clients. His dedication stems from a personal ethos that every individual deserves robust legal representation, especially when facing powerful adversaries. This philosophy has driven him to some of the most significant courtroom victories in the field, including landmark verdicts that have influenced industry standards and legal practices.

Education & Background

A native of Greenwich, Connecticut, Mr. Ferraro graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1978 and, in 1979, a Master of Science degree in accounting. The following year, in 1980, he went on to become a certified public accountant (CPA). He also instructed an accounting class in 1982 at the University of Miami. Then he went to the University of Miami School of Law in 1983 to receive his law degree.

Legal Victories and Influential Advocacy

Jim Ferraro has built a distinguished legal career with numerous high-profile victories and significant achievements. These include the largest compensatory award in Florida for a mesothelioma case in 1995. He also won the highest national compensatory jury verdict for a non-malignant asbestos case in 1997. His legal career has resulted in settlements totaling billions of dollars for tens of thousands of clients.

A landmark moment in his career occurred in 1996 when he made American legal history by successfully prosecuting American multinational corporation, DuPont in the first case against a chemical company for causing a birth defect, where he demonstrated that exposure to the fungicide Benlate resulted in a child being born without eyes. This trial, which was broadcast on Court TV and captured worldwide attention, ultimately was upheld by the Florida Supreme Court seven years later.

Further showcasing his legal experience, in August 2015, Jim achieved a $17,175,000 verdict in an asbestos case against Georgia-Pacific, alongside his oldest son, and fellow attorney, James. This victory earned him the title of 2015 Plaintiff’s Attorney of the Year by CVN Florida. Later that year, he shared his insights and experiences as a guest lecturer at Harvard Law School for third-year law students.

In addition to representing clients in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and toxic tort cases, Mr. Ferraro also plays a leading role in Ferraro Law’s complex commercial and business litigation practice. As a former Certified Public Accountant, he brings a strategic and business-oriented perspective to each matter, crafting litigation approaches that are efficient, results-driven, and tailored to the specific objectives of each client.

From Courtrooms to Classrooms

Beyond his impressive courtroom victories, Jim is a committed educator and thought leader. He served as a guest lecturer at Harvard, sharing his insights on complex litigation and the impact of legal strategies on public health. His commitment to education also extends to his early career, where he taught accounting at the University of Miami.

Author and Advocate

Jim L. Ferraro is not only a distinguished trial lawyer and educator, but also a compelling author and a staunch advocate for environmental and public health. His book, Blindsided, is a compelling narrative of his precedent-setting case against the chemical giant, DuPont. This book delves into the formidable challenges and significant triumphs of a high-stakes courtroom battle, emphasizing the broader implications for corporate responsibility and environmental safety.

Blindsided not only recounts the legal strategy and emotional investment of the case but also serves as a critical reflection on the impact of law on public health. Jim’s account is an inspiring call to action for legal professionals and a guide for those interested in the intersection of law, justice, and ethics.

Jim continues to share his insights through talks and seminars, encouraging a deeper understanding of the legal challenges tied to public health. His book, Blindsided, is available for purchase online, providing valuable perspectives for anyone invested in the pursuit of justice and corporate accountability.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Jim’s contributions extend beyond the legal and educational fields. He has donated over $25 million to various charities and serves on several boards, including The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. His work with these organizations demonstrates his commitment to societal improvement and community support

Recognition and Awards

Throughout his career, Jim has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and being one of only 10 finalists for Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1997. These accolades reflect his impact on the legal community and his unwavering commitment to his clients.

“Receiving the Ellis Island Medal also reminded me of why I do what I do,” he added. “So many of my clients are blue collar workers, working hard to build better lives. My law firm helps fund and pursue their lawsuits on a contingency basis, so they can take on major corporations that they otherwise could not, to help them get compensation for their injuries. Without our help, most of them would not be able to afford a lawyer. Knowing that I can help make a difference in their lives gives me enormous pride and satisfaction.”

Connect with Jim

Jim welcomes opportunities to discuss potential cases or speak at events about his experiences and the broader implications of his work in asbestos and toxic tort litigation.