Judge James W. McCann

Education:
Undergrad:  University of Miami- 1975
Law School:  Nova University Law School- 1978

How long have you been practicing law?  Over 42 years (including serving as a Circuit Judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit for over 16 years (Jan. 1, 2005-February 28, 2021); and before that (2001-Dec. 2004) as a Child Support Enforcement Hearing Officer).

Why did you want to be an attorney?
This is a nation of laws; and I believed that it would be an honorable profession to practice law.

What do you like most about it?  
Having the exclusive privilege, as a member of the Bar, to represent individuals, governments, and corporations before the Court.

What don’t you like?
Legal advertising; although, it is apparent that it has become a necessity for even good lawyers (to advertise) to compete for business.  In the early days of my career, the good lawyers earned their market share by being good lawyers and word of mouth; which traveled far and fast enough.  Now you can run a tacky T.V. commercial and get hired to represent someone who needs competent representation; even if the advertising lawyer has never tried a case.  Having presided over more than 250 jury trials, I can tell you that potential jurors are mostly negatively affected by lawyer advertising; and, unfortunately, hold those negative views against all lawyers, whether they advertise or not.