James L. Ferraro

James L. Ferraro has more than thirty years of experience advocating for victims of negligence, toxic exposure, and catastrophic injury. He is widely known for his success in asbestos litigation, wrongful death claims, and environmental law disputes. His work has helped secure billions in compensation, holding corporations accountable for public harm.

James completed his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1978 and a Master of Science in 1979, both from the University of Miami. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1983. His early career also included teaching accounting at the University of Miami before beginning his practice as an attorney.

James built his career with groundbreaking verdicts, including the largest compensatory award for a mesothelioma case in Florida in 1995 and the nation’s highest jury verdict in a non-malignant asbestos case in 1997. In 1996, he prosecuted DuPont in the first successful case against a chemical company for causing a birth defect, a landmark trial later upheld by the Florida Supreme Court.

James has also achieved significant victories more recently, such as a $17,175,000 asbestos verdict in 2015, which earned recognition as Plaintiff’s Attorney of the Year. He has lectured at Harvard Law School and the University of Miami, offering insights on complex litigation and public health. His published book Blindsided recounts the DuPont case and its wider implications for corporate accountability.

James L. Ferraro continues to lead high-stakes litigation, advocate for justice, and support community initiatives, reflecting a lifelong commitment to protecting individuals against corporate wrongdoing. He has received numerous awards over his career, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, and was a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1997. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers, honored by multiple charitable organizations, and knighted by the Knights of Malta. Beyond the courtroom, he has donated millions to charitable causes and serves on boards committed to health and social progress.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Kelley Ferraro, LLC
• Member, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Inactive)
• Member, American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants, Inc. (Inactive)
• Member, Dade County Bar Association
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Association for Justice
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, The National Trial Lawyers
• Member, Public Justice Foundation
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Member, Public Justice State Coordinator
• Member, The Sports Lawyers Association (Inactive)
• Member, Clinton Foundation

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Ohio
• New York
• Massachusetts
• Florida

Education

• University of Miami School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Miami
  Master of Science (MS)
• University of Miami
  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Awards & Badges