Justices of the Florida Supreme Court

A native of New Bern, North Carolina, Justice James E. C. Perry was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Governor Charlie Crist and took office there on March 11, 2009. Before his appointment, he served as a circuit judge of Florida's Eighteenth Judicial Circuit upon his appointment by Governor Jeb Bush in March 2000. Justice Perry later served as Chief Judge of the Circuit for a two-year term beginning July 2003.

He graduated from J. T. Barber High School. From there he attended Saint Augustine's College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting. After serving Justice James E.C. Perry

in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant, he went on to Columbia Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1972.

Justice Perry met his future bride, Adrienne M. Perry, Ph.D., while at Columbia Law School. A scholar in her own right, Mrs. Perry earned her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Oswego. She then went on to receive a master’s degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in education from the University of Florida. Formerly the Mayor of Longwood, Florida, Dr. Perry is currently a professor at Stetson University. Married since 1971, they have three children – all college graduates. Their eldest son, Willis Perry, is a businessman in Tallahassee. Son Jaimon and daughter Kamilah Perry are attorneys in the Central Florida area.

Justice Perry has been actively involved in many community activities. A dedicated father, Perry managed his son’s AAU basketball team, the SanLando Greyhounds and played an active role in all their sports activities. He supported the Greyhounds through several successful seasons, and the whole family traveled cross-country with the team as they advanced through the championship playoffs. The Perrys were also involved in their daughter Kamilah’s activities, which included piano, ballet, and cheerleading. Justice Perry’s commitment to improving children’s lives extends beyond his own family. As founder and president of the Jackie Robinson Sports Association, Perry built a baseball league serving 650 at-risk boys and girls – the largest in the nation. However, the Association did more than coach baseball. Volunteers also served as mentors and provided free tutoring. In addition to his work with disadvantaged kids, Justice Perry served as captain of the Heart of Florida United Way Campaign and his firm served as general counsel for the Florida Chapter Branches of the NAACP. He currently serves as treasurer on the Board of Trustees at Saint Augustine’s College. Justice Perry has been a member of the Carter CME Tabernacle Church of Orlando for more than 20 years. He currently serves as trustee and is a member of the choir.

As an attorney, Perry was widely recognized for his legal skills and abilities. Prior to his appointment to the trial bench, Justice Perry was senior partner in the law firm of Perry & Hicks, P.A., where he specialized in civil and business law.

Justice Perry has received numerous honors and awards including the Seminole County NAACP Humanitarian Award, the Orange County Chapter NAACP Paul C. Perkins Award, and the 2005 Martin Luther King Drum Major Award for Social Justice. In 2004, Justice Perry was honored by his hometown, New Bern, North Carolina, receiving the “Key to the City.” In 2005, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) selected Justice Perry as one of four individuals to be profiled during its national broadcast of An Evening of Stars: A Celebration of Educational Excellence. Most recently, Justice Perry received the prestigious Williams-Johnson Outstanding Jurist of the Year Award for 2006 from the Brevard and Seminole County Bar Associations. Justice Perry is frequently asked to speak at schools, churches, and civic groups. He has delivered the commencement address at several schools including the University of Central Florida and his alma mater, Saint Augustine’s College.

Justice Perry was the first African-American appointed to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Governor Jeb Bush issued this statement when he appointed Justice Perry to the circuit bench in March of 2000. “James brings a high level of professionalism, knowledge, and skill to the bench. His community service and commitment to the Jackie Robinson Little League demonstrates his dedication to the community. I am confident that his expertise, strong commitment, and dedication will continue to be an asset to the 18th Judicial Circuit and the state.” Following his appointment to the circuit court bench, Justice Perry ran unopposed to retain his seat.

Justice Perry is the 85th Justice to take office at the Florida Supreme Court since statehood was granted in 1845.

Justice Perry's office phone is (850) 921-1096, and his judicial assistant is Dawn Stallworth. His staff attorneys are John Keyser, Mireille Fall-Fry, and Rachel Canfield. The mailing address is 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee FL 32399-1925.

Attorneys or law students interested in clerkships in this office should check our Law Clerk Recruitment Page. There also is information on Internships.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: The Code of Judicial Conduct governing behavior by judges forbids the Justices of the Florida Supreme Court to discuss pending cases with the public. Please do not call the Court expecting to speak with a Justice about any case. If you have a comment to make, please mail it to the Clerk's Office at 500 S. Duval St., Tallahassee FL 32399. However, the Court is only allowed to consider arguments made in the courtroom and in documents properly filed by actual parties in the case as authorized by law and the Rules of Court. The Court cannot ethically read or consider any other opinions or arguments about the case. Communications that do not meet these legal requirements cannot be forwarded to the Justices.