James L. Ferraro Sr. - Miami, FL
Attorney at The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawyers in Miami, FL
The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. National Headquarters 600 Brickell Avenue Suite 3800 Miami, FL 33131
- Free Consultation
- 1 Super Lawyers®
-
43
Years
Experience
Miami Asbestos & Mesothelioma Lawyer
Updated: 09/14/2026
Areas of Practice
- Asbestos & Mesothelioma
- Environmental Law
- Personal Injury
- Environmental Toxic Torts
- Wrongful Death
- Catastrophic Injury
Attorney Information
Overview
James L. Ferraro: Championing Justice with Compassion and Conviction
James L. Ferraro, a founding partner at Ferraro Law, has dedicated over three decades to advocating for victims of negligence and malpractice, particularly in cases related to asbestos exposure, personal injury, environmental law, and wrongful death. Jim’s approach to law is not just about winning cases; it’s about restoring dignity and ensuring fairness for his clients. His dedication stems from a personal ethos that every individual deserves robust legal representation, especially when facing powerful adversaries. This philosophy has driven him to some of the most significant courtroom victories in the field, including landmark verdicts that have influenced industry standards and legal practices.
Practice Areas:
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Environmental Law
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Catastrophic Injury
Education & Background
A native of Greenwich, Connecticut, Mr. Ferraro graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1978 and, in 1979, a Master of Science degree in accounting. The following year, in 1980, he went on to become a certified public accountant (CPA). He also instructed an accounting class in 1982 at the University of Miami. Then he went to the University of Miami School of Law in 1983 to receive his law degree.
Legal Victories and Influential Advocacy
Jim Ferraro has built a distinguished legal career with numerous high-profile victories and significant achievements. These include the largest compensatory award in Florida for a mesothelioma case in 1995. He also won the highest national compensatory jury verdict for a non-malignant asbestos case in 1997. His legal career has resulted in settlements totaling billions of dollars for tens of thousands of clients.
A landmark moment in his career occurred in 1996 when he made American legal history by successfully prosecuting American multinational corporation, DuPont in the first case against a chemical company for causing a birth defect, where he demonstrated that exposure to the fungicide Benlate resulted in a child being born without eyes. This trial, which was broadcast on Court TV and captured worldwide attention, ultimately was upheld by the Florida Supreme Court seven years later.
Further showcasing his legal experience, in August 2015, Jim achieved a $17,175,000 verdict in an asbestos case against Georgia-Pacific, alongside his oldest son, and fellow attorney, James. This victory earned him the title of 2015 Plaintiff’s Attorney of the Year by CVN Florida. Later that year, he shared his insights and experiences as a guest lecturer at Harvard Law School for third-year law students.
In addition to representing clients in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and toxic tort cases, Mr. Ferraro also plays a leading role in Ferraro Law’s complex commercial and business litigation practice. As a former Certified Public Accountant, he brings a strategic and business-oriented perspective to each matter, crafting litigation approaches that are efficient, results-driven, and tailored to the specific objectives of each client.
From Courtrooms to Classrooms
Beyond his impressive courtroom victories, James is a committed educator and thought leader. He served as a guest lecturer at Harvard, sharing his insights on complex litigation and the impact of legal strategies on public health. His commitment to education also extends to his early career, where he taught accounting at the University of Miami.
Author and Advocate
James L. Ferraro is not only a distinguished trial lawyer and educator, but also a compelling author and a staunch advocate for environmental and public health. His book, Blindsided, is a compelling narrative of his precedent-setting case against the chemical giant, DuPont. This book delves into the formidable challenges and significant triumphs of a high-stakes courtroom battle, emphasizing the broader implications for corporate responsibility and environmental safety.
Blindsided not only recounts the legal strategy and emotional investment of the case but also serves as a critical reflection on the impact of law on public health. James’s account is an inspiring call to action for legal professionals and a guide for those interested in the intersection of law, justice, and ethics.
James continues to share his insights through talks and seminars, encouraging a deeper understanding of the legal challenges tied to public health. His book,Blindsided, is available for purchase online, providing valuable perspectives for anyone invested in the pursuit of justice and corporate accountability.
A Life Dedicated to Service
James’s contributions extend beyond the legal and educational fields. He has donated over $25 million to various charities and serves on several boards, including The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. His work with these organizations demonstrates his commitment to societal improvement and community support.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, James has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and being one of only 10 finalists for Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1997. These accolades reflect his impact on the legal community and his unwavering commitment to his clients.
“Receiving the Ellis Island Medal also reminded me of why I do what I do,” he added. “So many of my clients are blue collar workers, working hard to build better lives. My law firm helps fund and pursue their lawsuits on a contingency basis, so they can take on major corporations that they otherwise could not, to help them get compensation for their injuries. Without our help, most of them would not be able to afford a lawyer. Knowing that I can help make a difference in their lives gives me enormous pride and satisfaction.”
Connect with James
James welcomes opportunities to discuss potential cases or speak at events about his experiences and the broader implications of his work in asbestos and toxic tort litigation.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Order of Saint John Knights of Malta, 1999
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 2001
Other Sources of Feedback About James L. Ferraro Sr.
Included on the 2026 Florida Super Lawyers list
Past Lists
- 2025 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2024 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2023 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2022 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2021 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2020 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2019 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2018 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2017 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2016 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2015 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2014 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2010 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2008 Florida Super Lawyers list
- 2007 Florida Super Lawyers list
Education
Legal Education
-
University of Miami School of Law,
Coral Gables,
Florida, 1983
J.D.
Non Legal Education
-
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
Master’s Degree
Major: Accounting -
University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, 1978
B.B.A.
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Founding Shareholder & President
Classes and Seminars
- From Courtrooms to Classrooms Beyond his impressive courtroom victories, James is a committed educator and thought leader. He served as a guest lecturer at Harvard, sharing his insights on complex litigation and the impact of legal strategies on public health., His commitment to education also extends to his early career, where he taught accounting at the University of Miami.
Pro Bono Activities
- Florida State Coordinator for The Public Justice Foundation
- William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation, Trustee
- Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Inc., Board of Directors
- The Children’s Home Society of Florida Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors
- Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida, Board of Directors
- National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame, National Leadership Committee
- Advisory Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida
- Bowman Foster Ashe Society at the University of Miami
- Member of the Board and Advisory Council of United Way of Miami-Dade
- Jackson Memorial Foundation, Director of the Board
Representative Cases
-
Roy L. Taylor v. Georgia-Pacific, Miami Jury Awards $17 Million in Asbestos Case
-
Castillo v. E.I. Du Pont De Memours & Co., Inc., 854 So.2d 1264 (Fla. 2003)
-
Galotti v. Owens-Corning Fiberglas, 679 So.2d 291 (Fla. 3rd DCA 1996)
-
McKenna vs. Owens-Corning Fiberglas, 726 So.2d 361 (Fla. 3d DCA 1999)
-
Pine Island Farms, Inc. v. Donner, 674 So.2d 138 (Fla. 3d DCA 1996)
-
Castillo v. E.I. DuPont de Memours and Company and Pine Island Farms, Circuit Court, Miami-Dade County, Florida Case Number 93-141699
Ancillary Businesses
Author and Advocate James L. Ferraro is not only a distinguished trial lawyer and educator, but also a compelling author and a staunch advocate for environmental and public health. His book, Blindsided, is a compelling narrative of his precedent-setting case against the chemical giant, DuPont. This book delves into the formidable challenges and significant triumphs of a high-stakes courtroom battle, emphasizing the broader implications for corporate responsibility and environmental safety.
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1983
- Massachusetts, 1985
- New York, 2002
- Ohio, 2003
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, 2007
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida, 1984
- U.S. Court of Appeals 3rd Circuit, 1994
- U.S. Tax Court, 1994
- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, 2000
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 2002
- U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit, 2002
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2004
Other Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Florida Justice Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association
- Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- American Bar Foundation (Fellow)
- American Association for Justice
- National Italian-American Bar Association
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
- Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
- Sports Lawyers Association
- Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
Photo
Contact
The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. National Headquarters
600 Brickell Avenue
Suite 3800
Miami, FL 33131
Phone Number: 833-722-5302
Email: Send a message
Hours: 24 Hours
Disclaimer
Your Profile? Update Now
When viewing a listing, consider the state advertising restrictions to which lawyers and law firms must adhere, as well as our FindLaw.com Legal Directory disclaimer. Some lawyers publish comparative information regarding the services that they provide which may be subject to specific comparative communications restrictions.