I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and went on to attend the University of Florida and studied Political Science. While at the University, I served in numerous leadership positions and was ultimately awarded the coveted membership in the Florida Blue Key. In Law School at Stetson University College of Law I graduated Cum Laude earning a Juris Doctorate degree. While at Stetson I was awarded first place in Stetson’s nationally ranked #1 Trial Team by winning the statewide mock trial competition sponsored by the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. After working at a large personal injury law firm litigating cases in trial and appellate courts throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, I decided to make the move to Southwest Florida and open my own law practice in Bonita Springs, The Personal Injury Law Office of James L. O’Leary, which opened on January 1, 1997 and remains the longest standing personal injury law firm in Bonita Springs Florida.
Volunteering in community service is ingrained in the fabric of my being. I have served in the past as a board member and as the President of the Bonita Springs Youth Council, The Bonita Springs Rotary Club, the Bonita Springs YMCA, and am a member in The Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. I teach regularly at Bonita Springs Middle School representing the Florida Bar in the Justice Teaching Program designed to educate Florida’s youth about the legal system. Over the years, I have been a guest lecturer in almost every Elementary School, Middle School, and High School in the Bonita Springs/Estero area and I enjoy teaching the law as well as motivating students to believe in their dreams and work hard to set and achieve their important life goals. I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and Arbitrator but dedicate 100% of my practice to representing people injured in accidents and their family members. Currently in 2011-2012 I am proud to serve as the President of the Rotary Club of Bonita Springs, a worldwide organization with over 1.2 million members in over 200 countries working to eradicate polio, promote world understanding and peace, provide clean water and sanitation to third world countries, promote education and literacy. I seek to model my personal and professional life on the Rotary 4 Way Test of the things Rotarians think, say and do: (1) Is it the truth?, (2) Is it fair to all concerned, (3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships, and (4) will it be beneficial to all concerned.
Thank you Letters from Students