Our Attorneys
Whether it is someone accused of a crime by the state or federal government or an individual hurt in a car wreck or by a defective product, Jim’s focus is always the same. Every meeting with a client, every appearance in court, every negotiation, and everything he does as a attorney is driven by the knowledge that his clients are counting on his skill, judgment, and dedication as their attorney to protect them or vindicate their rights.
FoundING ATTORNEY
James A. Wardell
Jim understands that when his clients come to him, they are facing very personal and often disruptive challenges. He makes sure that each one of his clients receives personal attention and care. Jim wants his clients to focus on getting back to the things that are important to them, having the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their attorney is doing the best possible job handling the matter which brought them to him.
Jim has spent his entire career as a litigator, building a reputation among colleagues, adversaries, and judges as a zealous and successful advocate and someone who is always thoroughly prepared and willing to go to trial. Jim began his law career in Tampa at the prestigious criminal defense firm of Lazzara & Paul, P.A. He learned to practice law under the tutelage of nationally renowned trial attorney Bennie Lazzara, Jr. Together, they defended individuals accused of crimes in both state and federal court.
Jim has represented clients from Miami to Los Angeles on charges ranging from DUI to murder. He gained extensive experience in the area of forfeitures, and was lead counsel on the largest criminal forfeiture of real property in the Middle District of Florida.
Building on his criminal defense experience, Jim expanded his practice to include the representation of professionals in the medical field, including physicians and corporate officers of hospitals or medical practices in white collar fraud claims, as well as Qui Tam actions. Additionally, he has represented individuals in civil rights claims, fighting for those wrongly accused and convicted of crimes and victims of unnecessary or excessive force by law enforcement.
At Wardell Law Firm, Jim focuses his trial practice primarily on representing individuals injured in automobile accidents or victims of medical malpractice or defective products. He has secured multiple seven figure confidential settlements in serious auto accident, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases.
Jim has been recognized by his peers with the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest possible rating for both ethical standards and legal ability.
Community and Family
Jim’s commitment to service extends beyond his practice to the Tampa community at large. Jim is a regular volunteer for the Guardian Ad Litem program, providing legal representation to volunteers representing the interests of abused or neglected children. He has coached many youth sports including basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. He was the manager of the 2009 Bayshore Little League and 10-11 All-star team which were the District 6 and Section 7 Champions and went to the State Tournament. He regularly manages baseball teams at Bayshore Little League on Davis Island.
Jim is dedicated to his family as well. He is married with five sons, and on most weekends can usually be found on the street or at a park with one of his children playing or coaching any number of sports.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
B.S., 1987-1990
STETSON UNIVERSITY
Juris Doctor, 1990
Admitted
1990, Florida; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida; U.S. Supreme Court
Professional Associations
The Florida Bar
Hillsborough County Assn. of Criminal Defense Attorneys (President, 1999-2000; Vice President, 1998-1999; Secretary, 1994; Treasurer, 1996-1997; Member, Board of Directors, 1992, 1993);
Hillsborough County Bar Assn. (Trial Attorneys Section; Board of Directors 1993-1994, 2003-2004)
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Academy of Florida Trial Attorneys (Eagle Member)
American Association for Justice ; Florida Justice Association
Professional Accreditations
TRIAL ATTORNEY
Blake A. Fromang
Blake A. Fromang's academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to excellence and a diverse range of experiences. Graduating from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development and a minor in Managerial Studies, Mr. Fromang excelled both academically and athletically as a starter on the football team, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors.
After Vanderbilt, Mr. Fromang pursued his legal education at Stetson University College of Law, where he honed his skills as a member of the nationally ranked Trial Team. His dedication to legal advocacy was evident during his internship with Honorable Judge Charlene Honeywell at the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, gaining invaluable insights into the judicial system's workings.
Following graduation, Mr. Fromang embarked on a successful legal career, focusing on representing nursing home residents nationally and achieving notable successes, including a $10+ million verdict in a wrongful death case. His extensive legal knowledge, multiple state and federal court admissions, and dedication to his clients' well-being showcase his commitment to providing diligent and effective representation while upholding the highest standards of legal ethics.
Education
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
B.S., 2012-2015
STETSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW
Juris Doctor, 2016-2019
Bar Admissions
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Florida
Ohio
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
U.S. District Court for the Middle & Southern Districts of Florida
Professional Accreditations
Awards & Recognitions
2012 Music City Bowl Champion
2013 BBVA Compass Bowl Champion
2014 & 2015 SEC Academic Honor Roll
2015 Fall Dean's List
South Texas National Mock Trial Competition - Outstanding Advocate Award and Finalist
Vice President of the Investment and Finance Law Association
Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyer's Division - Parliamentarian
Trial Attorney
Andrew R. Mallory
Andrew R. Mallory is a third generation Tampa native. In high school, he worked summers here at the Wardell Law Firm. This experience inspired Andrew to pursue a career as an attorney and he graduated from Stetson University College of Law in 2010.
Upon passing the Bar, Andrew accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Andrew handled thousands of cases as a prosecutor, ranging from DUI to drug trafficking and violent felony offenses. He took dozens of cases to jury trial, with his first murder trial coming one year after being licensed to practice.
A prominent civil firm offered Andrew a position defending liability actions. With a concentration in the trucking and hospitality industries, Andrew represented several high-profile corporations and professional sports teams.
After learning criminal and personal injury law from the “other side,” Andrew fulfilled his long-term goal of representing individuals. He was fortunate to work under the guidance of mentors as he expanded his experience to additional practice areas, to include appeals, contracts and injunctions.
When Andrew is not in the courtroom, he enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is occasionally assisted at the office by his dog Hank, also known as the Legal Beagle.
Education
Florida State University
B.S., 2012-2015
Stetson University College of Law
Juris Doctor, 2008-2010
Admitted
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
Awards & Recognitions
2017 - Present: Florida Justice Association Member
2016 - Present: Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014 - Present: Coastal Conservation Association
2014 - Present: Kiwanis Member
2013 - Present: Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division
2013 - Present: Hillsborough County Bar Association
2012 - Present: Fishing Lawyers Association
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