James Gonzalez is a co-founder of Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A. Mr. Gonzalez focuses his practice in the areas of construction litigation, business litigation, business transactions, government contracts, and estate planning. For over a decade, Mr. Gonzalez has provided guidance to businesses and design professionals regarding business governance and compliance, contract dispute resolutions, and negotiations. He has assisted clients through the complexities of litigation; including pre-litigation counseling, prosecution and defense of claims. His M.B.A. background has allowed him to expand his practice into litigation management and strategies, business counseling, estate preparation and business planning.

Mr. Gonzalez has represented clients in a variety of litigation matters; including representation of individual homeowners, homeowner’s associations and condominium associations in complex construction defect matters. Similarly, Mr. Gonzalez has represented numerous architectural, engineering and construction firms, as well as their professional employees in professional negligence, construction defect, and contractual claims. He has also provided legal counseling and representation to design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, building material manufacturers, and suppliers in areas ranging from corporate formation to contract disputes and construction defect claims and everything in-between.

In December 2022, Mr. Gonzalez was appointed to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers by Governor Ron DeSantis. Through this service, James seeks to further the Florida Board of Professional Engineers’ mission of protecting the health and safety of the public by properly regulating the practice of engineering within the State of Florida.

In 2015, Mr. Gonzalez was commissioned as a reservist in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). As an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, Captain Gonzalez assists the Staff Judge Advocate in providing legal advice to the wing commander (installation commander), as well as its subordinate units; including supporting the provision of military justice to thousands of Airmen. While serving within the base legal office, Captain Gonzalez has reviewed and provided legal opinions on millions of dollars in base construction and material supply contracts. He has also provided legal guidance relating to requests for organizational formation, fundraising, and non-judicial punishment. Captain Gonzalez has reviewed and provided legal opinions relating to civil claims against the government. He has performed detailed trial and hearing support, prepared criminal cases for Courts Martial, and assisted in Commander Directed Investigations. In addition, Captain Gonzalez has had the opportunity to provide estate planning guidance to hundreds of active duty, reserve, and retired military members and dependents.

Active in the Jacksonville legal community, James was named treasurer of the Hispanic Bar Association of Northeast Florida in 2011, an organization that aims to foster fellowship among Hispanic judges, lawyers and those interested in doing business with Latin America or Hispanic businesses in the region. Additionally, from 2011-12, James served as Sports League co-commissioner for the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section.

Outside the office, James is a passionate supporter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. James, who lost his father to pancreatic cancer, was instrumental in organizing the group’s 2013-2015 PurpleStride events that raised more than $400,000 for the organization. From 2015-2016 and again in 2018, James assumed the role of the PanCAN Northeast Florida Affiliate Coordinator. During this time, he assisted the Affiliate in continuing its goal of doubling the pancreatic cancer survival rate by 2020.

In 2003 James graduated from the University of South Florida, in Tampa, Florida, and was a member of the Business National Honor Society. He earned his juris doctor from Villanova University School of Law in 2007. That same year, James also received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Villanova University School of Business. While at Villanova, James served as a student attorney for the Villanova Farmworkers’ Clinic, lead the Farmworkers’ Clinic to its first ever jury trial, and was a member of the Hispanic Bar Association and the Student Bar Association.

James moved to Jacksonville in 2009. Since that time, he married his wonderful wife, Kristin and became the proud father of two amazing children. In his free time, James enjoys building Jeeps, inshore fishing, woodworking, cooking, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Honors and Awards

  • AV® Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Florida Trend Florida Legal Elite 2022
  • Best Lawyers in Construction Litigation and Construction Law for 2024
  • Super Lawyers in Business Litigation 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star in Business Litigation 2021
  • 2020 Jacksonville Business Journal “40 Under 40”

Admissions

  • The Florida Bar, 2007
  • The D.C. Bar
  • The Jacksonville Bar Association
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida

Education

  • Villanova University, School of Law, J.D.
    • Moot Court Quarterfinalist, Farmworkers’ Clinic
    • Academic Scholarship
    • Dean’s List
  • Villanova University, School of Business, M.B.A.
    • China Business Management Study Abroad participant
  • University of South Florida
    • College of Business
    • B.S. – Finance
    • Business National Honor Society
  • United States Air Force Squadron Office School

  • United States Army Government Contract Attorney’s Course

Representative Matters

PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME

  • Represented a condominium association – multi-building with hundreds of units – in a construction defect litigation against a prominent general contracting company, developer, and design firm. The general contractor sued dozens of its subcontracted trades. Ultimately reached a settlement with all parties in excess of $8,500,000 in recovery for the condominium association.
  • Obtained summary final judgment for construction subcontractor in a multi-million dollar condominium association litigation claiming construction defects, design defects and building code violations. Summary judgment was obtained as a result of pointed discovery requests, targeted deposition testimony, thorough drafting of motions with references to numerous exhibits, and oral arguments before the Court.
  • Represented and defended window manufacturer in multi-million dollar single-family home complex-construction defect case. Homeowner and Contractor brought claims against window manufacturer in excess of a million dollars. Defense verdict was ultimately obtained on behalf of window manufacturer; resulting in Court awarding our client reimbursement of attorney’s fees and costs.
  • Represented a condominium association – multi-building with hundreds of units – in a construction defect litigation against a prominent national builder. The builder sued dozens of its subcontracted trades. This six-year litigation dealt with intricate claims against the builder.  The parties were involved in extensive motion practice, depositions of dozens of corporate executives, experts and board members and the exchange of hundreds of thousands of pages of documents. Ultimately reached a settlement with the national builder resulting in $8,750,000 in recovery for the condominium association.

  • Represented and defended concrete subcontractor in condominium class action for construction defects, design defects and building code violations in excess of $8,000,000 in damages. Ultimately reached settlement during the month-long trial.

  • Represented and defended architectural firm and professional architect, individually, in professional negligence claim of over two million dollars in damages brought by developer. Obtained defense verdict in favor of clients after years of litigation, hundreds of hours of depositions, and multiple dispositive motions hearings before the Court.  
  • Represented General Contractor against property owner and developer regarding ownership/land rights dispute valued in excess of $1,000,000.00.
  • Obtained summary final judgment for architectural firm and professional architect, individually, in multi-million dollar condominium litigation claiming construction defects, design defects and building code violations.
  • Obtained favorable settlement for synthetic sheathing company in construction defect litigation for multi-million dollar single-family home.
  • Obtained summary judgment for condominium association in breach of fiduciary duty, defamation, and fraud claims.
  • Represented boat manufacturer in products liability and products defect litigation resulting in a week long jury trial.
  • Represented national freight company against claims of negligent handling of goods, breach of contract and loss of use; resulting in week long bench trial in Federal Court.
  • Represented multiple cargo parties in El Faro maritime tragedy.
  • Represented transportation company against security company for claims relating to theft of property during shipment.  
  • Represented various clients in pursuit/defense of breach of contract claims, open accounts, accounts stated and goods sold.
  • Negotiated and revised chiropractic business purchase agreement in Lakeland, Florida.
  • Negotiated single family home purchase agreements for prospective owners against statewide and national home builders.
  • Negotiated and revised physician group purchase agreements for local medical providers.
  • Drafted business formation filings, and governing bylaws for local medical professionals.
  • Drafted business formation filings and operating agreements for business entities.
  • Drafted construction contracts, insurance proceeds contracts, and master subcontract agreements for local contractors.  
  • Negotiated detailed land purchase and custom home construction contract for home owner.
  • Drafted and revised home warranty for national home builder.
  • Negotiated and drafted equity purchase agreement for local retailer.
  • Reviewed employment contracts and provided legal guidance regard terms and conditions, non-competition, and non-solicitation language within contracts.
  • Successfully defended a national retail chain in a premises liability lawsuit, securing a favorable settlement for the client against allegations of inadequate security resulting in a customer injury.
  • Successfully obtained dismissal of a liquor liability/dram shop claim against restaurant by demonstrating lack of evidence connecting the alleged over-service of alcohol to the subsequent accident, saving the client from potential significant financial liability.
  • Secured a favorable outcome for a commercial property owner accused of negligence in maintaining safe premises, successfully refuting claims of inadequate lighting leading to a slip and fall accident.
  • Obtained summary judgment in favor of a transportation company in an automobile liability case, successfully arguing that the plaintiff failed to establish the defendant’s negligence as the proximate cause of the accident, saving the client from costly litigation expenses.
  • Advised a manufacturing company on risk prevention strategies and assisted in the implementation of comprehensive safety protocols, resulting in a significant reduction in premises liability claims and associated financial losses for the client.
  • Successfully defended commercial business from claims of improper installation of food preparation equipment that allegedly resulted in serious burn injuries to Plaintiff. Ultimately prevailed in demonstrating improper use of equipment resulted in Plaintiff’s injuries, leading to dismissal of action.

Professional, Trade and Philanthropic Affiliations

Mr. Gonzalez is a member of various committees and a volunteer with local charities, including but not limited to:

  • Florida Board of Professional Engineers 2022-Present
  • The Florida Bar (Real Property, Probate and Trust/Construction Law Committee)
  • Florida Bar Young Lawyers Association
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • JBA – Young Lawyers Division Sports Commissioner
  • Hispanic Bar Association – Duval County, FL – Board Member
  • Pancreatic Cancer Action Network – Past Affiliate Chair
  • First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Gonzalez has also lectured at The University of Florida on topics relative to the practice of business law and contract negotiations.

Presentations and Publications

  • “Construction Lien Law,” NEFBA CBRC Brew Chat, 2024
  • “Construction Lien Law,” Lunch and Learn presentation 2023
  • “Construction Lien Law,” Lunch and Learn presentation, 2022
  • The Fine Print,” Business and Employment Contract review lecture, 2019
  • Cobb & Gonzalez is Recognized in the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers
  • Navigating the FTC’s Ban on Non-Competes: What it Means for Businesses in Florida: Part II
  • Navigating the FTC’s Ban on Non-Competes: What it Means for Businesses in Florida: Part 1
  • Assignment of Benefits – Part 2 – Limitations and Requirements under an Assignment of Benefits
  • Assignment of Benefits Blog series – Part 1
  • Government Construction Contracting Part #6 – Florida’s Little Miller Act – Contractor’s Protections under the Little Miller Act
  • Government Construction Contracting Part #5 – Florida’s Little Miller Act – Subcontractor’s and Sub-Subcontractor’s Rights and Responsibilities under Florida’s Little Miller Act
  • Government Construction Contracting Part #4 – Florida’s Little Miller Act – Bond and Recording Requirements for Florida Public Works and Building Projects
  • Government Construction Contracting Part #3 – The Miller Act – Rights of Sub-Subcontracting Entities on Federal Public Projects
  • Government Construction Contracting Part #2 – The Miller Act – Rights of Subcontracting Entities on Federal Public Projects
  • Government Construction Contracting Part 1: The Miller Act – Bonds of Contractors on Federal Public Projects
  • Business Records Request- Court Intervention
  • Business Records Requests- A Member’s Demand and Company’s Response
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: Final Payment Affidavit
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: Owner’s Contest of Lien
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: A Party’s Right to Information – Statement of Subcontractors
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: A Party’s Right to Information – Sworn Statement of Account
  • Florida’s Construction Liens Laws: The Claim of Lien
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: Notice to Owner- Does the Notice Contain the Proper Language?
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: Notice to Owner-The Who, What, and When
  • Florida’s Construction Lien Laws: Right to Lien
  • Contact Us

    PaperStreet Web Design

    4655 Salisbury Rd., Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256
    Email: info@cobbgonzalez.com -
    Phone: (904) 822-8001

    PaperStreet Web Design

    111 N. Magnolia Ave Suite 1500 Orlando, FL 32801
    Email: info@cobbgonzalez.com -
    Phone: (407) 904-0830