James N. Powell

With more than five decades of experience in real property, commercial, corporate, and estate planning matters, James N. Powell has built a reputation as one of Florida’s most trusted and accomplished business and real estate attorneys. Known equally for his precision, preparation, and steady judgment, James has guided corporations, lenders, developers, and property owners through virtually every type of commercial and real estate issue that arises across the lifecycle of a business.

Before joining Johnson Pope, James spent more than 30 years leading the respected St. Petersburg real estate and commercial law firm Powell, Carney, Maller, where he served as president through multiple generations of the firm. In 2021, he and his partners joined Johnson Pope, a move that expanded resources for their clients while allowing him to continue doing what he does best—helping Florida businesses, property owners, and families navigate complex legal issues with clarity and confidence.

Jim’s practice spans real estate transactions, corporate formation and governance, commercial lending, probate administration, and estate planning. Over the years, he has served as trusted counsel to financial institutions, savings and loan associations, commercial enterprises, and closely held businesses.

In addition to his practice, James has served as an adjunct professor in the MBA program at the Florida Institute of Technology and has been a frequent lecturer on estate planning, guardianship, condominium law, environmental law, and constitutional issues surrounding end-of-life rights. His decades of civic involvement, ranging from leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America to chairing numerous city and county committees, reflect a deep commitment to community service and public leadership.

Representative Matters

• Commercial & Corporate Counsel: Longstanding advisor to Florida corporations, financial institutions, and closely held businesses on governance, commercial transactions, compliance, and strategic planning.
•  Real Estate Transactions: Represented buyers, sellers, lenders, and investors in complex commercial real estate closings, including office buildings, industrial facilities, multi-parcel acquisitions, and high-value commercial sites.
•  Commercial Lending: Counseled banks and savings institutions on secured lending, loan restructuring, commercial financing documentation, and risk mitigation in multi-million-dollar transactions.
•  Probate & Estate Planning: Guided families in probate administration, trust matters, estate planning strategies, and guardianship issues, with a focus on practical solutions and long-term planning.
•  Business Structuring & Transactions: Advised business owners on corporate formation, mergers, succession planning, and asset-based transactions across various industries.

Bar Admissions:

• Florida, 1973
• United States District Court (Middle District of Florida)
• United States Court of Appeals (5^th and 11^th Circuits)

Education

• Stetson University College of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Editorial Board, Stetson Intramural Law Review
  • Raphael Steinhardt Award Recipient
• University of Florida College of Law (initial coursework)
  • Top 10% class ranking
• Harvard University, A.B.

 Awards & Recognition

• A/V Preeminent Rated by Martindale -Hubbell, 1988 – 2025
• Florida Best Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2017 – 2025
• The Wall Street Journal Best Lawyers in America, 2017 – 2025
• America’s Most Honored Professionals (Top 1%), 2016 – 2018
• Top Lawyers of Tampa, 2015 – 2019
• Selected to St. Petersburg High School Athletic Hall of Fame, 2015
• American Lawyer’s Media Top Rated Lawyer, Trust and Estates, 2015
• Top Attorney of Florida (Peer Selected), 2013
• Best Attorneys in Florida (Peer Selected), 2012 – 2014
• American Registry America’s Most Honored Professionals, 2011
• The Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2009 – Present
• The National Bar Journal – Tampa’s Top Attorneys (Peer Selected), 2010 – 2025
• Tampa Bay Business Journal Top Lawyers, 2009 – 2014
• Tampa Bay Magazine Tampa’s Top Attorneys, 2011 – 2012
• Friends of Nursing, Award for Outstanding Service, 1990
• Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service Award, 1982
• Petersburg Leadership Association Leadership Award, 1981
• Outstanding Young Men of America Award, 1980
• Key to City of St. Petersburg for Service on the City’s Community Improvement Projects, 1980

Community & Professional Organizations

• Florida Bar
  • Member
• American Bar Association
  • Member
• Pasadena Estate Property Owners Association
  • Chair, 1999 – 2000
• Skyway District, West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Chair, 1994 – 1996
• Harvard Club of the West Coast of Florida
  • President, 1992 – 1995
• Boy Scouts of America, Troup 367
  • Scoutmaster, 1989 – 1993
• Pinellas County Personnel Board
  • Vice-Chair, 1984 – 1999
• Friends of Nursing, Inc.
  • President, 1988 – 1999
• City of St. Petersburg Transportation Goals Committee
  • Chair and Co-Chair, 1984 – 1985
• Education Committee St. Petersburg Community Alliance
  • Chair, 1982 – 1984
• St. Petersburg Human Relations Citizens’ Review Board
  • Chair and Co-Chair, 1979 – 1982
• Greater Pinellas Point Civic Association
  • President, Chair and Co-Chair, 1975 – 1978

Outside of the Office

Jim’s roots in St. Petersburg run deep. A former scholar-athlete and community leader from an early age, he has carried that same sense of discipline, service, and civic responsibility throughout his career.

His 27 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve—including assignments in military justice, international studies, and diplomatic attaché work—remain among the experiences he values most, and he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel with multiple commendations. His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, and multiple training distinctions. An Eagle Scout with Gold and Bronze Palms, he also later received the Silver Beaver Award and National Outstanding Scoutmaster Award.

Away from the office, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife, Phyllis, and their three children, staying engaged with community initiatives, and supporting organizations throughout the Tampa Bay region. He continues to approach life much as he does his work—with commitment, purpose, and a genuine dedication to helping others.