James D. O'Donnell chosen for the 2025-2026 Leadership Sarasota class, with Shumaker maintaining its dedication to developing local leaders.
James D. O'Donnell, a native of Sarasota, has been selected as a member of the 2025-2026 Leadership Sarasota Class. As an associate in the Litigation & Disputes Service Line at Shumaker, O'Donnell brings a wealth of experience to the program.
The Leadership Sarasota program, a long-standing initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, focuses on developing future leaders through an immersive curriculum that explores local government, community development, public policy, economic growth, and regional collaboration. It also emphasizes connecting participants with community leaders, exploring career pathways, and building leadership skills.
O'Donnell, who specializes in business and real estate litigation at Shumaker, advocates for businesses, shareholders, landlords, and property owners in all phases of litigation in state and federal courts. He represents clients from various industries such as manufacturing, construction, health care, real estate, hospitality, retail, and technology.
Before joining Shumaker, O'Donnell served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Joel DeVore of the Oregon Court of Appeals. His selection for Leadership Sarasota is seen as a reflection of his professional acumen and commitment to the Sarasota community.
Shumaker, a law firm with a team of over 300 attorneys and advisors, is committed to giving back to and supporting the communities in which it serves. The firm's mission is to help move businesses forward with confidence. O'Donnell's role in the Leadership Sarasota program is expected to bring valuable insights to the curriculum.
Jan Pitchford, the Sarasota Managing Partner at Shumaker, commented on O'Donnell's selection, saying, "We are proud of James's commitment to the Sarasota community and his dedication to developing his leadership skills through the Leadership Sarasota program." O'Donnell is anticipated to continue making a meaningful impact through the program.
The purpose of Leadership Sarasota is to provide a deeper understanding of the critical issues facing the Sarasota region. By participating in the program, O'Donnell will gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's challenges and opportunities, which he can apply to his work at Shumaker and beyond.
It's worth noting that the information provided is not an advertisement for Shumaker. However, it is a testament to the firm's commitment to fostering the growth and development of its associates and their engagement with community initiatives. O'Donnell's selection for Leadership Sarasota is a significant accomplishment that further solidifies his position as a rising leader in the Sarasota community.
[1] Shumaker Press Release: James D. O'Donnell Joins Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025-2026
[2] Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce: Leadership Sarasota
[3] Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast: Board of Directors
- James D. O'Donnell's selection for the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2025-2026, a program focused on developing future leaders, will provide an opportunity to leverages his expertise in finance, particularly in business and real estate litigation, to contribute valuable insights to the curriculum.
- As a member of the Leadership Sarasota Class and a dedicated associate at Shumaker, a law firm that emphasizes business, community development, and regional collaboration, O'Donnell's leadership skills will be further honed, serving both his professional growth in finance and his commitment to the Sarasota community.
