James R. George practices in the areas of fiduciary litigation, including litigation arising from estates, trusts and guardianships. Mr. George often serves as an expert witness and as mediator in trust and estate matters. Mr. George earned his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto and his J.D., with Honors, from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.
Mr. George is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He is a past chair of The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee. Within the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar, Mr. George serves on its Executive Council, is Co-Vice Chair of the Probate and Trust Litigation Committee, and is a member of the Trust Law Committee, and the Guardianship and Power of Attorney Committee. Mr. George is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2015-2023), South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Lawyers (2007-2017 and 2021), and Florida Super Lawyers (2007-2020). Mr. George is a frequent lecturer for The Florida Bar on probate, trust, and guardianship topics.
Representative Matters
- Represented institutional fiduciaries against claims of breach of fiduciary duty through trial.
- Represented individuals through appeal before the Supreme Court of Florida in litigation affecting compensation of fiduciaries and other professionals.
- Represented national charities through trial and appeal in litigation challenging testamentary instruments.
Awards & Accolades
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2015-2023
- “Lawyer of the Year,” Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Fort Lauderdale, 2018 and 2021
- Listed, Chambers and Partners, “The Chambers Global High Net Worth (HNW) Guide”
- Private Wealth Disputes, Florida, 2022
- Private Wealth Law, Florida, 2021
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Florida Super Lawyers, 2007-2022
- Listed, Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyers,” Trusts and Estates, 2022
- Listed, South Florida Legal Guide, “Top Lawyer,” 2007-2017, 2020-2021
- Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2009
- Rated, AV Preeminent® 5.0 out of 5.0
Professional & Community Involvement
- Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Executive Council, The Real Property Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar (“RPPTL”)
- Vice-Chair, Probate Law and Procedure Committee, RPPTL
- Member, Trust Law Committee, RPPTL
- Member, Trust Litigation Committee, RPPTL
- Member, Guardianship and Advanced Directive Committee, RPPTL
- Past Member, Circuit Representative, 17th Judicial Circuit, RPPTL
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Estate Planning Council of Broward County
- Numerous pro bono court appointments as attorney for alleged incapacitated persons, and for minor children in guardianship and family proceedings