Draft:Mark NeJame
Submission declined on 28 September 2026 by SomeoneDreaming (talk).
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Comment: In accordance with the Wikimedia Foundation's Terms of Use, I disclose that I have been paid by my employer for my contributions to this article. NaturallyFields (talk) 20:20, 8 September 2026 (UTC)
Mark NeJame | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 3, 1955 Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Education | University of Florida (B.S., Political Science, 1976) University of Florida Levin College of Law (J.D., 1980) |
| Occupations |
|
| Employer(s) | NeJame Law, P.A. |
| Known for | High-profile criminal defense; CNN legal commentary; co-founding Runway to Hope |
| Spouse(s) | Wendy Chioji (m. 1992; div. 1994) Josie NeJame (née Arizola; m. 2003) |
| Children | Valentina (b. 2005) Alessandra (b. 2007) |
| Parent(s) | Ann and Fred NeJame |
| Website | nejamelaw |
Mark Elias NeJame (born January 3, 1955) is an American attorney, legal analyst, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Orlando, Florida. He is the founder and senior partner of NeJame Law, P.A. NeJame is known for handling high-profile litigation cases across the United States and the Caribbean, specializing in personal injury, criminal defense, and civil litigation, and for serving as a contracted legal analyst for CNN and HLN. He has been called the "Johnnie Cochran of Orlando" in regional media.[1] Along with his wife Josie, he is also the co-founder of Runway to Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer children and their families throughout Central Florida.
Early life and education
[edit]Mark Elias NeJame was born on January 3, 1955, in Orlando, Florida, to Ann and Fred NeJame. He was raised with two younger sisters, Paula and Christine, and comes from Lebanese heritage.[1]
To help support his family from an early age, NeJame worked doing lawn work, washing cars, working as a bag boy at local supermarkets, and operating what he has described as the largest paper route in Orlando, delivering the Orlando Sentinel Star.[2]
NeJame graduated from Edgewater High School in Orlando in 1972.[3] He then attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1976. During his college years, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, where he was elected its first Social Service Coordinator.[2]
To fund his law school education, NeJame sold a plant retail and rental business that he had opened while in college.[4] While at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, NeJame served as president of the Moot Court team.[4] He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1980.[5]
Career
[edit]Founding of NeJame Law
[edit]After graduating, NeJame returned to Orlando and co-founded the Law Offices of NeJame & Hyman, P.A. in 1981 alongside attorney Stuart Hyman.[4] The partnership lasted 15 years, ending amicably. Among their notable early cases, the partners successfully defended Sheldon Polakoff, then Central Florida's most notorious bail bondsperson, on four separate arrests against a series of state and federal charges including racketeering, loan sharking, and drug trafficking; Polakoff was acquitted each time.[6]
In 1995, NeJame founded NeJame Law, a diversified firm practicing personal injury, criminal defense, immigration, family law, and civil litigation. The firm holds an AV Preeminent peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest designation for legal skill and ethics, and carries a 10.0 rating on the Avvo legal review platform.[7] NeJame Law has been voted first place in multiple regional readers' polls for several consecutive years, including first-place finishes in the 2025 and 2026 readers' polls of the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Magazine.[8][9][10][11] In 2026, the Orlando Sentinel poll additionally recognized NeJame Law with first place for Best Personal Injury Law Firm and Best Criminal Defense Law Firm. That same year, Orlando Weekly readers voted Mark NeJame first place for Best Local Big Shot Who's Not an Elected Official.[12]
Legal practice overview
[edit]For the first 25 years of his career, NeJame focused primarily on criminal defense before expanding into personal injury, civil litigation, and multi-practice litigation. His practice represents clients throughout Florida and the United States.[13]
NeJame won his first murder case in 1982, just two years after being admitted to the bar. Representing Priscilla Mae Young, who was accused of killing a teenage neighbor, NeJame's closing argument became emblematic of his courtroom style: standing atop a chair with a toy gun to demonstrate bullet trajectory, and tossing dice against the judge's bench to challenge the jury on whether his client's fate was merely a matter of chance. Young was found not guilty.[14]
Notable clients and cases
[edit]Charles Barkley
[edit]While in Orlando to play against the Orlando Magic in October 1997, NBA star Charles Barkley threw local resident Jorge Lugo through a plate glass window and was arrested. Representing Lugo, NeJame negotiated what was reported to be the first civil settlement against Barkley.[15][16]
Tiger Woods
[edit]In November 2009, following Tiger Woods's car accident outside his home in Windermere, Florida and an alleged domestic dispute with his former wife, Woods retained NeJame to represent him. The matter concluded with Woods paying a small traffic fine.[17][18]
Casey Anthony case
[edit]NeJame was retained in September 2008 to represent George and Cindy Anthony, the parents of Casey Anthony, who was accused of killing her daughter Caylee Anthony.[19] He later resigned as their attorney, declining to advocate on behalf of their daughter Casey.[20] He subsequently represented Texas EquuSearch, the volunteer search organization that had worked to find Caylee Anthony.[13]
Alan Grayson
[edit]In March 2014, NeJame represented U.S. Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL), who had been accused of domestic battery by his estranged wife. NeJame argued that Grayson's wife had struck the congressman with an "uppercut."[21]
Lou Pearlman
[edit]NeJame Law represented Lou Pearlman, the Orlando-based music promoter behind the Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync, on approximately ten civil cases in the years before Pearlman's large-scale Ponzi scheme was exposed. The firm did not represent Pearlman in his subsequent criminal proceedings.[22]
George Zimmerman
[edit]Following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2012, NeJame was twice approached to represent George Zimmerman, the Sanford, Florida neighborhood watch volunteer charged with second-degree murder, but declined on both occasions, citing family obligations and the demands of recently concluded high-profile cases.[23]
Leo Visco
[edit]NeJame represented octogenarian Leo Visco, who was charged in Volusia County, Florida with first-degree murder after shooting his wife Eva, who he stated had begged him to do so as part of a mutual suicide pact. Visco said he was unable to shoot himself while she remained alive and called 9-1-1. His family, including the couple's son, supported his actions. NeJame secured a short suspended sentence and probation for Visco.[24][25]
Daniel Daley
[edit]NeJame represented Daniel Daley, an 84-year-old World War II veteran whose neck was broken when he was slammed to the ground by an Orlando police officer during a confrontation over his car being towed. NeJame argued that the officer had overreacted to what was at most a misdemeanor situation. A federal jury found the officer had violated Daley's civil rights and awarded Daley $880,000 in damages.[26]
Jayden Baez
[edit]NeJame represented the family of Jayden Baez, a 20-year-old fatally shot by Osceola County sheriff's deputies outside a Target store in Kissimmee in April 2022 following a shoplifting report involving less than $50 in merchandise. NeJame argued the deputies unnecessarily escalated what he described as a minor misdemeanor situation. A grand jury report released in February 2024 rebuked the sheriff's office's policies and tactics. The Baez family reached a $1 million federal civil rights settlement in July 2026.[27]
Business interests
[edit]In addition to his legal career, NeJame has engaged in entrepreneurial ventures across several industries, including technology, real estate, social media, personal protective equipment, entertainment, and restaurants.[28]
In 1992, NeJame leased the historic Beacham Theatre in downtown Orlando and invested over $1 million in its restoration, subsequently opening Dekko's, a high-energy dance club that helped revitalize downtown Orlando at the time.[29] In February 1995, NeJame entered a new partnership with George Maltezos and John and Joe SanFelippo, operating Zuma Beach Club and later Tabu at the same venue.[30] NeJame partnered with Howie Dorough (Howie D) of the Backstreet Boys at Tabu.[31] He also opened 3-D from Downtown in partnership with Orlando Magic forward Dennis Scott.[32]
Political activity
[edit]NeJame has been active in Democratic Party fundraising, including serving on the National Finance Committee for President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.[33] He has hosted fundraisers for Democratic presidential candidates at his Windermere home, including for Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden, and has planned events for Kamala Harris.[33]
Legal education and speaking
[edit]NeJame has volunteered teaching law enforcement for over 25 years and has served as a guest speaker and lecturer at law schools, legal seminars, and for the FBI.[34]
Media career
[edit]NeJame has served as a paid legal analyst and commentator for CNN and HLN, a role he formally began in April 2012.[35] He has contributed written commentary to CNN.com and has served as a regular legal analyst for Central Florida News 13, ABC affiliate WFTV, and CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.
He has been quoted by the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.[36]
Among his national television appearances, NeJame has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper 360°, Piers Morgan Tonight, Nancy Grace, Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell, Dr. Phil, Dr. Drew On Call, Joy Behar Show, Geraldo at Large, Studio B with Shepard Smith, Inside Edition, On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Court TV, TruTV, TMZ, MSNBC, Fox News, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, among others.[37]
NeJame was nominated for a Suncoast Emmy Award as part of the WKMG-TV news team for the station's coverage of the Casey Anthony trial.[37] In 2023, NeJame and Josie NeJame received a Suncoast Emmy Award in the Human Interest – Long Form Content category for the Runway to Hope mission video "Illuminating Runway to Hope's Purpose: Jaturi's Legacy," presented at the 47th Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards.[38]
Philanthropy
[edit]Runway to Hope
[edit]In 2010, NeJame and his wife Josie co-founded Runway to Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Orlando dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research and providing direct financial assistance to Central Florida families with children battling cancer. The organization partners with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Florida Hospital for Children, and Nemours Children's Hospital.[39]
Runway to Hope is known for its annual Spring Soirée, a fashion-centric gala that pairs children battling cancer with celebrities on a runway. The event's 2013 edition raised over $700,000 from approximately 1,600 attendees and featured Gabby Douglas, Ashley Greene, Jameer Nelson, and Bo Outlaw, with Lou Holtz, Cat Deeley, and Bill and Giuliana Rancic serving as celebrity hosts.[40] The 2023 gala raised over $1 million and drew more than 2,000 attendees.[41]
The organization has been endorsed by, among others, Shaquille O'Neal, Akon, Katie Couric, Dan Rather, the Jonas Brothers, George Lopez, Dr. Drew, and Nancy Grace.[2] Celebrity hosts and participants at its galas have included Gabby Douglas, Ashley Greene, Jameer Nelson, Lou Holtz, Cat Deeley, and Giuliana Rancic.[40]
As of 2026, Runway to Hope has raised over $11 million for its mission and has been recognized as the Best Charity Event in Central Florida for 13 consecutive years, including first-place finishes in the 2025 readers' polls of both Orlando Weekly and Orlando Magazine.[42][43]
Other charitable involvement
[edit]NeJame has been involved in several other charitable endeavors, including co-hosting Fashion Funds the Cure (a fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation), the Heart Fund Ball, Shepherd's Hope (providing healthcare for the working poor), and the Masquerade Ball (supporting HIV/AIDS causes). He has served on the Board of Directors of the International Prostate Cancer Foundation and the advisory board of Seeds of Peace, which promotes dialogue between young people from conflicting regions of the world.[44]
Personal life
[edit]NeJame was previously married to WESH-TV news anchor Wendy Chioji. He married Josie NeJame (née Arizola) in 2003. The couple have two daughters: Valentina (born 2005) and Alessandra (born 2007).[2] They reside in Windermere, Florida.[33]
Recognition and awards
[edit]NeJame has received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest designation for both legal skill and ethics, and has been listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys for multiple decades.[7] He has been recognized in Florida Trend magazine's Legal Elite.[45] He has been named among Orlando's 50 Most Powerful People by Orlando Magazine for multiple consecutive years.[46]
His awards include:
- H. Clifford Lee Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy (2019) — Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Florida Chapter[47]
- Award for Excellence in Fundraising by a Nonprofit — Association of Fundraising Professionals[47]
- Philanthropist of the Year (2014) — Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Florida Chapter[47]
- Humanitarian of the Year — Onyx Magazine[48]
- Suncoast Emmy Award — Human Interest, Long Form Content, for "Illuminating Runway to Hope's Purpose: Jaturi's Legacy" (2023)[38]
- Suncoast Emmy nomination — as part of the WKMG-TV team covering the Casey Anthony trial[37]
- Hall of Fame inductee — Edgewater High School[3]
- "Mark NeJame Day" proclamation — issued by Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando[49]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Smith, Erin Geiger (November 30, 2009). "Tiger Woods' Lawyer Mark NeJame — Who Is He?". Business Insider. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Leusner, Jim (June 26, 2013). "50 Most Powerful People in Orlando". Orlando Magazine. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 "New Edgewater High Hall of Famers include Secret Service chief, stage actor, nationally known attorney". Orlando Sentinel. February 28, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Mark E. NeJame, One of the Country's Best Attorneys, CNN Legal Analyst, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur is Making a Difference". LawCrossing. December 23, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Mark Elias NeJame – Florida Bar Profile". The Florida Bar. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Bondsman No Stranger to Trouble: Polakoff, Police Were Out to Get Me". Orlando Sentinel. November 25, 1988. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 "Mark Elias NeJame – Attorney Profile". Avvo. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "NeJame Law – 2025 Gold Winner: Best Law Firm". Central Florida Favorites / Orlando Sentinel. 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Best of ORL 2025 Winners List for Professional Services". Orlando Magazine. August 1, 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "NeJame Law – 2026 Winners: Best Overall Law Firm, Best Personal Injury, Best Criminal Defense". Central Florida Favorites / Orlando Sentinel. 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Best of ORL 2026 Winners List for Professional Services". Orlando Magazine. 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Best Local Big Shot Who's Not an Elected Official 2026". Orlando Weekly. 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 "Representing George Zimmerman". Super Lawyers. June 14, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Johnson, Pamela (January 23, 2001). "Defender Is A Contender". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ "Barkley Settlement Is Reported". The Washington Post. December 5, 1997. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Report: Barkley Settles Civil Case". The Philadelphia Inquirer. December 5, 1997.
- ↑ "Tiger Woods apologizes as gossip magazine reports affair". CNN. December 2, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Woods hires lawyer, still shuns FHP". Orlando Sentinel. November 30, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Casey's Parents Hire Well-Known Attorney, Bond Paid For New Charges". WKMG-TV. September 4, 2008.
- ↑ Lundy, Sarah (November 21, 2008). "Mark NeJame Quits as Anthonys' Attorney". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ Weiner, Jeff (March 6, 2014). "NeJame: Alan Grayson's wife hit congressman with 'uppercut'". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ "Lou Pearlman, disgraced founder of 'NSync and Backstreet Boys, dies in prison". United Press International. August 21, 2016. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Eder, Steve (April 12, 2012). "Zimmerman Sought Tiger Woods's Lawyer". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Haun, Michael (June 10, 2013). "Man who shot wife in 'mercy killing' avoids jail". Daytona Beach News-Journal.
- ↑ Kassab, Beth (February 1, 2002). "Trial Slated For Sept. 9 For Leo Visco". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ Pavuk, Amy (August 17, 2012). "Jurors find OPD officer liable, award $880k in excessive force case". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ "Jayden Baez family reaches $1 million settlement with Osceola County". Orlando Sentinel. July 2026.
- ↑ Cherney, Elyssa (November 13, 2015). "Attorney Mark NeJame joins crowd of new real estate agents". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Berry, Mike (October 14, 1992). "Another facade may soon grace historic Beacham". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ "Last Call: The Club Orlando Still Can't Forget". Orlando Signal. April 27, 2026. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Tabu Nightclub Orlando". Orlando Signal. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Sports bar to bear Scott's name". Orlando Sentinel. March 7, 1996. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Mark NeJame plans to host Kamala Harris fundraiser, potentially in Florida". Florida Politics. July 22, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Shlueb, Mark (October 8, 2004). "FBI Plans Interviews With Arab Americans". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ "Mark NeJame hired as legal analyst by CNN". Orlando Sentinel. April 9, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Buckley, Cara (June 19, 2013). "Jury Selection Reaches Final Stages in Trayvon Martin Murder Case". The New York Times. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Q&A: How Mark NeJame balances family, law, TV shows". Orlando Sentinel. August 17, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- 1 2 "47th Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards — 2023 Program Winners" (PDF). National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Suncoast Chapter. 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Runway to Hope raises $400k to fight childhood cancer". Orlando Sentinel. March 22, 2011.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - 1 2 Santich, Kate (May 16, 2013). "Runway to Hope raises whopping $700,000". Orlando Sentinel.
- ↑ David, Willie (May 12, 2023). "Runway To Hope 2023 Gala Raises Over $1 Million For Children With Pediatric Cancer". Florida National News. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Best Charity Event 2025: Runway to Hope Spring Soiree". Orlando Weekly. 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Hope on the Frontlines of Pediatric Cancer". Orlando Magazine. September 19, 2025. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Seeds of Peace". Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Florida's Legal Elite 2010 – Orlando". Florida Trend. July 1, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ Glenn, Barry (July 2012). "50 Most Powerful People in Orlando". Orlando Magazine.
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|url=(help) - 1 2 3 "History of Award Winners". Association of Fundraising Professionals, Central Florida Chapter. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "Onyx Magazine Presents the 12th Annual Onyx Awards". The West Side Gazette. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
- ↑ "A 5-Star Controversy". Orlando Sentinel. August 11, 2005. Retrieved June 1, 2026.
External links
[edit]Category:Living people Category:1955 births Category:American lawyers Category:Florida lawyers Category:CNN people Category:University of Florida alumni Category:University of Florida Levin College of Law alumni Category:Lawyers from Orlando, Florida Category:American philanthropists Category:American people of Lebanese descent Category:Edgewater High School alumni Category:People from Windermere, Florida
Wikipedia articles must be written neutrally in a formal, impersonal, and dispassionate way. They should not read like a blog post, advertisement, or fan page. Rewrite the draft to remove:
Instead, only summarize in your own words a range of independent, reliable, published sources that discuss the subject.
If you have a conflict of interest (e.g. you are the subject, an employee, or a relative) or are being paid to edit, you must disclose this to comply with Wikipedia's Terms of Use.