James Fowler Jr.
About
James A. Fowler Jr. is the co-founder of Fowler Law Group. He is a 4th generation Sarasota county native of Sarasota County with deep roots in the Sarasota & Manatee communities.
After graduating from law school, James worked as an associate attorney at a Sarasota law firm focusing on family and criminal law cases. He also served as a prosecutor with the Office of the State Attorney in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. As a prosecuting attorney he handled numerous DUI, misdemeanor, felony and juvenile cases and received specialized training from the Florida Traffic Safety Resource Prosecution Program in the areas of drugged drivers and refusal cases. Following his work as a prosecutor, James served as an attorney at a Sarasota criminal defense firm where he defended clients in all aspects of criminal law.
In July of 2013, James and his wife, Alene Sartori Fowler, founded Fowler Law Group, P.A.. The firm’s Sarasota and Bradenton offices focus on representing clients in all types of criminal matters. The entire legal team at Fowler Law Group, is committed to going above and beyond to help people struggling with criminal charges and proudly stands behinds the firm’s motto of “Respect, Reputation, Protection.”
Strong Ties to the Bradenton and Sarasota Communities
James has strong ties to the Sarasota and Bradenton communities. He is a fourth generation native of the area and his family has owned and operated a local bail bonding company for over thirty years. Prior to entering law school, James served as investigator for the Manatee County Public Defender’s Office.
James is a member of the Florida Bar and the Sarasota County Bar Associations. He is also engaged in various volunteer activities in Sarasota County, including work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
James is proud of the strong reputation he has developed as a Bradenton and Sarasota criminal defense attorney. His clients regularly praise him for providing exceptional client service and achieving positive outcomes in their cases.
Education
- Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacksonville, Florida
- Juris Doctor, 2008
- Ferrum College, Ferrum, Virginia
- B.S. in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, 2002
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 2008
- United States Middle District Court of Florida, 2008
Professional Affiliations
- Florida Bar
- Sarasota County Bar Association
- Sarasota County Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division, Board Member
- American Inns of Court
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- Judge John M. Scheb American Inn of Court, Barrister
- Federalist Society
- Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- U.S. Middle District Court of Florida
- Lakewood Ranch Young Leaders Alliance
Honors & Awards
- 2022 SRQ Top Elite Attorney - Criminal Defense
- 2022 Lawyers of Distinction Award
- 2022 America's Top 50 Lawyers
- 2022 Super Lawyers
- 2021 SRQ Top Elite Attorney - Criminal Defense
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
- 2020 SRQ Top Elite Attorney - Criminal Defense
- 2014 Super Lawyers - Rising Stars
Prior Professional Experience
- Associate Attorney, Local Criminal Defense Firm
- Prosecuting Attorney, Florida Office of the State Attorney, Sarasota and Manatee Counties
- Associate Attorney, Syprett, Meshad, Resnick & Lieb, PA
Awards
Community Involvement
Forty Carrots, Soleman Volunteer: 2014-Present..
Key to the Cure, Volunteer/Sponsor: 2013-Present.
YMC Going for the Gold, Committee Member: 2014.
Make-A-Wish Foundation, Volunteer: 2011-2013.
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor: 2008-2011.
Booker High School Trial Academy, Mentor: 2014.