James D. O'Donnell chosen for 2025-2026 Leadership Sarasota class, with Shumaker maintaining its dedication to fostering leaders.
In a testament to his professional abilities and commitment to the Sarasota community, James D. O'Donnell, an associate at Shumaker's Litigation & Disputes Service Line, has been chosen for the 2025-2026 Leadership Sarasota Class.
The Leadership Sarasota program, run by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is a well-established initiative designed to develop both emerging and established leaders from the Sarasota region. The program equips participants with a deeper understanding of critical regional issues through an immersive curriculum focused on community development, public policy, economic growth, and regional collaboration.
Shumaker, an organization with a team of over 300 attorneys and advisors, values community engagement and supports Leadership Sarasota by encouraging participation among its members. The firm's Sarasota Managing Partner, Jan Pitchford, expressed her delight at O'Donnell's selection, stating that it reflects his dedication to the community.
As a Sarasota native, O'Donnell's law practice at Shumaker focuses on business and real estate litigation. He represents clients across various industries such as manufacturing, construction, health care, real estate, hospitality, retail, and technology. In his role at Shumaker, O'Donnell advocates for businesses, shareholders, landlords, and property owners in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts.
Prior to joining Shumaker, O'Donnell served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joel DeVore of the Oregon Court of Appeals. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast in Sarasota.
O'Donnell is anticipated to bring valuable insights to the Leadership Sarasota program, where he will have the opportunity to engage with other leaders across various sectors and foster lasting connections throughout the community. The program is designed to educate participants about critical issues in the Sarasota region, and O'Donnell's local roots and professional experience make him an ideal candidate to contribute to the discussions.
Shumaker's team works together to help move businesses forward with confidence, and O'Donnell's selection for the Leadership Sarasota program further solidifies his position as a leader in the Sarasota community. As he embarks on this new journey, O'Donnell is expected to continue making a meaningful impact in the region.
- Shumaker's Sarasota Managing Partner, Jan Pitchford, appreciates O'Donnell's selection for the Leadership Sarasota Class, as it highlights his commitment to the community, a demonstration of his leadership and his involvement in the regional business sector.
- As a participant in the Leadership Sarasota program, O'Donnell utilizes his expertise in business and real estate litigation, along with his understanding of the Sarasota region's critical issues, to contribute valuable insights and foster lasting connections, further consolidating his role as a leader in the community's financial sector.
