James L.S. Bowdish

retired

Biography:

James L.S. Bowdish retired from the practice of law in March, 2024. Jim practiced as a mediator, arbitrator and civil litigator for approximately 52 years.

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Professional Affiliations

Jim was formerly board certified by the Florida Bar in Civil Trial Law from 1996 to 2021 and was “AV Preeminent” rated by Martindale Hubbell. He was a member of the Florida Bar’s Probate and Trust Litigation Committee. He served as past president of the Martin County Bar Association and was appointed twice by Governor Jeb Bush to serve on the 19th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission from 2001-2002 and 2003-2007. He served two terms as President of United Way of Martin County and three terms as a member of the Vestry of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. He also served four years as a Captain in the U.S. Army JAGC handling courts-martial, including the first of the My Lai Massacre cases to go to trial during the Vietnam War. He graduated with honors from both Wake Forest University and Stetson Law School.

The Florida Bar, 1969 – present
United States Court of Military Appeals (1969)
United States Supreme Court (1973)
United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, including Trial Bar (1976)
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
United States Courts of Appeal, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits
Martin County Bar Association (President, 1985-86)
Judicial Liaison Committee (Past Chairman)
Committee on Judicial Polls and Evaluation (Past Chairman)
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (Appointed twice by Gov. Bush, 2001-2002; 2003-2007)
Florida Super Lawyer, 2006, 2007 and 2008

Civic and Community Service

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Past Vestryman and Senior Warden)
Stuart Rod and Reel Club (Former President)
United Way of Martin County (Past President for two terms)

Military Background

1969-1973 Captain, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps; participated as Chief Military Defense Counsel in first of My Lai Massacre courts-martial cases to be tried in 1970; participated as defense counsel, and later prosecutor in numerous Special and General Courts Martial over a three year period; concluded military service as Chief of Military Justice, 1st Cavalry Division, Ft. Hood, Texas; honorable discharge (1973).