James Hope is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a Criminal Trial Specialist, and has been practicing criminal law in Tavares, Florida, since 1987 — more than 35 years.
From 1987 to 1993 he served as an Assistant State Attorney (Prosecutor) in Lake County, developing experience in criminal matters at all stages of litigation and held supervisory responsibilities at the Juvenile, Misdemeanor, Felony and Capital Post-Conviction Relief levels. During that time, he was designated Lake County’s first Career Criminal prosecutor, and first Sexual Battery prosecutor. Moreover, Mr. Hope he has fought more than triple the number of Felony Jury Trials required for initial Board Certification — right here in Lake County.
The Florida Bar has stated:
“Certification is the highest level of recognition given by the Florida Bar for competency and experience within an area of law.”
“In Florida, only board certified lawyers are permitted to refer to themselves as 'experts' or 'specialists'. Board certified lawyers are legal experts dedicated to professional excellence who have met vigorous standards for experience and professionalism.”
“Board certification recognizes attorneys' special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice.”
The Board Certification Program:
Established in 1982 by the Supreme Court of Florida, Board Certification provides consumers with assurance in the selection of legal counsel. A lawyer who is Board Certified by The Florida Bar has demonstrated ability and experience in his or her field of practice and has earned a reputation for professionalism within the legal community.
The Board Certification program operates according to Supreme Court approved standards in 20 practice areas. A member of The Florida Bar who has earned this career achievement may list 'Board Certified' or 'Specialist' or 'Expert' on business cards or letterhead, in legal directories or in the yellow pages of telephone directories.
The logo displayed on this page also signifies 'Board Certification' and helps identify a lawyer's certification status.
Board Certification not only helps consumers, it benefits the legal profession by requiring high standards, continuing legal education and professionalism in the practice of law. To become a certified specialist, a lawyer must:
Be an active member in good standing of The Florida Bar
Have practiced law for a minimum of 5 years (Mr. Hope has practiced criminal law for more than 35 years.)
Pass a written examination in the specialty area
Complete approved legal education programs
Demonstrate substantial experience in the specialty area
Be favorably evaluated as to ability and experience in the specialty field by judges and other lawyers
Exhibit outstanding character, ethics and a reputation for professionalism
An attorney's certification only remains valid for five years. To recertify, the attorney must generally meet the same requirements as for initial certification. (Mr. Hope has been recertified five times since his initial certification in 1995.)
