I have been practicing law for nearly twenty years, most of which in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties, Florida. We focus our practice to State and Federal Criminal Defense, Marital and Family Law, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights cases and Mediation and Arbitration.
With extensive trial experience I spent several years as a prosecutor before returning to private practice in 2008. I was a misdemeanor (Domestic Violence, DUI, Theft, etc.), Juvenile, and Felony (Bulglary, Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Felony Battery, DUI, etc.) prosecutor for over three years.
We have been Honored to be featured by Florida SuperLawyers Magazine for thirteen years in a row (2013-2025 inclusive). Our office holds an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was recognized as one of Naples Top Lawyers 2019, 2024 and 2025 by Naples Illustrated magazine. Martindale-Hubbell has also recognized us as a 2020 - 2025 Silver Client Champion (Inclusive).
I am a Florida Supreme Court certified Circuit Civil, Family Law, Appellate and County Court Mediator as well as being approved as a mediator for the United States District Courtfor the Middle District of Florida. I am also a qualified Arbitrator.
I am a member of the Lee and Collier County Bar Associations as well as the Michael R.N. McDonald Amerincan Inns of Court and a qualified arbitrator. I have also been appointed as a Mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
I am licensed to practice in Florida, Colorado and the District of Columbia. We are also are licensed to practice in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Supreme of the United States.
I received my Bachealor of Science in Journalism from West Virginia University's Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism in 2000 and my Juris Doctor from the University of Denver College of Law in 2002.
In 2018 I was a candidate for Circuit Court Judge in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.
In my spare time I am a PADI Course Director, Tec Trimix Instructor Trainer, Rebreather Instructor, Public Safety Diver Instructor, Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer, and DIsabled Divers International Instructor at Scuba Outfitters of Naples. I also sit on the Board of Directors of the National Speleological Society- Cave Diving Section.
5
Practice Areas
19 years
22 years
22 years
22 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
State: Florida
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Fax
5629 Strand Boulevard, Suite 401, Naples, FL, 34110
jameswchandler.com/
Other places you can find James online.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Thomas | May 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Legal Experience
I needed representation on two separate legal issues. James provided very clear explanations of his recommended strategies in a clear concise fashion. He was friendly and answered all of my questions professionally with a down to earth demeanor on points I didn't completely understand. His ideas wer...
Posted by anonymous | August 08, 2014 | Family
Dependable and Understanding
Mr. Chandler helped our family through some difficult family law issues that no other attorney had success with. He is a very approachable person that completely understood our situation, and was always available to us to answer questions and work through the challenges and struggles of our case. We...
"I endorse James Chandler. I have worked with him in the legal community for years and have found his experience and insight to be of great value. I have come to know him personally and am impressed with his wide knowledge, compassion, and great personality. I keep his number handy and refer many people to him. He is a great lawyer and great person."
"I know Mr. Chandler to be the consummate professional. He is an effective advocate and truly cares for those individuals he represents."
"Mr. Chandler and I have worked as opposing as well as co-counsel on several occasions. He is a consummate professional and always places his clients interests first."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"James Chandler is a highly skilled and hard working attorney whose #1 concern is the client and his or her rights. I highly recommend James, as an attorney, as an incredibly dedicated member of the Southwest Florida community, and a good friend."
"I have read over a hundred criminal trial transcripts from all over Florida, and only a very small handful read as well as the cases I've read that Mr. Chandler tried. Restated, I am very familiar with lots of trial attorneys' work, and Mr. Chandler's is simply among the best I have seen."
"Need a traffic attorney in Collier County? Look no further. Highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer. He truly cares for his clients and will fight vigorously and passionate to achieve justice"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I just met James recently on a current case. He was very professional, has a good knowledge of the law, and acted in a very respectful manner while still zealously representing his clients position. I think we will resolve our matter. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Chandler is an outstanding attorney who has dedication and passion for the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Jamie for years. He is very thorough and works very hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I have worked with Jamie on several occassion and always find him very professional. Jamies always looks out for his client's best interest and is a pleasure to work with."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Florida Super Lawyer, Florida Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Florida Super Lawyer, Florida Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Florida Super Lawyer, Florida Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Florida SuperLawyers, Florida SuperLawyers
2021
Silver Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Florida SuperLawyers, Florida SuperLawyers
2020
Silver Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Naples Top Lawyers 2019, Naples Illustrated
2019
AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Florida SuperLawyers, Florida SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2015
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2013
Rising Star, Florida SuperLawyers
2012 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A.
2011 - 2012
Partner, Agoston & Chandler, P.A.
2008 - 2011
Attorney at Law, Law Office of David T. Agoston
2005 - 2008
Assistant State Attorney, Office of the State Attorney
2004 - 2005
Attorney at Law, Romsa & Kuker, LLC
2021 - Present
Collier County Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) SectionVice-Chair
2019 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarMember
2017 - Present
Lee County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of FloridaMember
2008 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaMember
2008 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of FloridaMember
2008 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh CircuitMember
2008 - Present
Florida Bar, Criminal Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section
2008 - Present
Collier County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
Michael R.N. McDonnell American Inn of CourtMember
2007 - Present
Collier County Teen CourtVolunteer Attorney
2006 - Present
Collier County High School Mock Trial CompetitionVolunteer
2005 - Present
District of Columbia BarMember
2005 - Present
Collier County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
United States District Court for the District ColoradoMember
2004 - Present
Florida BarMember
2014 - 2015
Collier County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2013 - 2014
Collier County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersVice President
2012 - 2013
Collier County Association of Criminal Defense LawyersTreasurer
Not Guilty
Dropped by State
Dropped by State
Not Guilty
Not Guilty of Burglary/ Guilty of Grand Theft
Not Guilty
Dropped by State just before trial
Nol Pros/ Dismissal
2002
Juris Doctor
2000
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
2021
Arbitration in Family Law Cases
2018
The Constitutional Revision Commission and You
2013
Trial in Style
2020
English
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