James Paul Mrnacaj is an Associate Attorney in the firm’s Fort Myers office, where he practices general civil litigation. His work includes automobile liability, employment law litigation, general liability defense, intentional torts, negligent security, personal injury protection (PIP) litigation, premises liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist liability, and wrongful death.
James earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law. During law school, James was heavily involved in the student body and was a strong advocate for his fellow students, thanks in large part to his close relationships with faculty. His classmates elected him as a Senator for the Student Bar Association (“SBA”), and he also served as a school representative for the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. In addition to representing the student body, James was also elected President of the Moot Court Board due to the strength of his oral advocacy and leadership. As a result, the program prospered and had its most successful year in its history under his leadership.
That oral advocacy was nothing new for James. A confident public speaker from a young age, he developed into a skilled oralist, and that ability grew stronger after he was accepted into Moot Court following his first year of law school. Through numerous competitions, he sharpened his advocacy, and those skills helped him advance as a Semi-Finalist at a National Appellate Moot Court Competition, as well as winning Best Oralist at another National Moot Court Competition. Alongside his advocacy, he brings strong research and writing abilities to every file he handles.
James carried those skills beyond the classroom during his first summer of law school, where he gained exposure to local government law and the political atmosphere at the Volusia County Attorney’s Office. His work that summer earned him the Law Student Award from the City, County, and Local Government Law Section, recognizing his outstanding performance and his impact on local and state government. The experience deepened his respect for public service and reinforced where he felt most at home: on his feet, advocating. James continued building his comfort in the courtroom early, by becoming a Certified Legal Intern at the Volusia County State Attorney’s Office.
In that role, Mr. Mrnacaj spent his summer in court learning proper courtroom procedure and etiquette. He logged a significant amount of time speaking before judges, arguing motions and hearings, and handling arraignments and pretrial conferences. Beyond his time at the podium, he drafted motions, interviewed witnesses, and tried a case of his own. He worked primarily in the misdemeanor division and also assisted the felony division on a first-degree murder trial. Most importantly, he gained meaningful trial experience, all of which James brings to our firm.
James is bilingual, fluent in Albanian and English, and a devout practicing Catholic. Away from the courtroom, he is a devoted New York sports fan. He stays active playing basketball, pickleball, and golf. He also treasures time with the friends and family he is closest to, and unless he is working on a case, hitting the gym, or out on the golf course, you will likely find him on the phone with one of them.