Draft:Mark NeJame

Mark NeJame (born on 1 January 1955), is an American attorney, serial entrepreneur, media legal analyst, philanthropist, and speaker. He co-founded NeJame Law, a well-known law firm located in Central Florida. NeJame is recognized as a top-rated trial attorney, with expertise in personal injury, criminal defense, commercial/civil litigation, and immigration cases.

NeJame has maintained a consistent presence in the list of the 50 Most Powerful People in Orlando. His clientele includes a diverse array of high-profile individuals, such as entrepreneurs, judges, professionals, media celebrities, professional athletes, lawyers, politicians, and law enforcement officials. In addition to his other achievements, NeJame is acknowledged by the Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys, a platform that recognizes leading lawyers in the United States.

NeJame is also recognized as the co-founder of Runway To Hope, a non-profit organization established with his wife. This organization is notable for hosting fashion-centric and celebrity-led fundraisers dedicated to supporting children battling cancer. Runway to Hope has successfully raised approximately 9 million dollars to date for this cause.

NeJame's involvement in numerous high-profile cases has earned him widespread recognition, attracting attention from esteemed media outlets such as the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and New York Times. As a regular guest and contracted Legal Analyst for CNN, he has also made appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning Show, The Nancy Grace Show, The Canadian News Network (CBC), Dr. Phil, MSNBC, FOX News, Joy Behar Show, Studio B with Shepard Smith, Inside Edition, Court TV, TruTv, TMZ, and various other television shows and media platforms.

Education
NeJame completed his graduating from Edgewater High School in 1972, NeJame attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. During his college years, he became a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, where he was elected as its first Social Service Coordinator.

Early life
Mark E. NeJame was born in 1955 in Orlando, Florida, to Ann and Fred NeJame. Raised with his two younger sisters, Paula and Christine, he comes from Lebanese heritage.

His parents separated in 1965 due to his father's long-standing struggle with alcoholism. NeJame, along with his mother and sisters, moved in with his grandmother, Sitto Edna. To support the family, NeJame started working at an early age, doing lawn work, washing cars, and working as a bag boy in supermarkets.

Facing financial constraints for a Mother's Day gift one year, NeJame started selling cactus terrariums throughout Central Florida. Building contacts in the plant industry, he expanded to selling plants from the back of a truck at the University of Florida, saving $2,400 and opening a plant store and rental business. After selling it for $80,000, he used the proceeds to put himself through law school. NeJame, President of the Moot Court team, earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1980.

NeJame has been a successful entrepreneur, engaging in various businesses, including technology, real estate, social media, PPE, entertainment, and restaurants, in addition to his legal career.

Career
After earning his Juris Doctor degree, NeJame returned to Orlando, Florida, and co-founded the law offices of NeJame & Hyman, P.A. in 1981, establishing a statewide reputation as a highly sought-after criminal defense and trial attorney. In 1995, he formed a new firm, NeJame Law, a diversified practice with multiple attorneys focusing on personal injury, criminal defense, immigration, and civil trial matters. The firm holds an AV-rated peer-reviewed status, the highest rating.

Politically active, NeJame served on President Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee in 2008. He hosted Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Val Demings, and President Biden at his home in Windermere, Florida, in October 2019.

NeJame, his wife Josie, and their children are extensively involved in charities and civic activities. In 2010, they founded Runway To Hope, a non-profit organization raising funds for pediatric cancer children and families, with approximately $4.5 million of the $9 million raised donated to Central Florida's children’s hospitals. The organization hosts fashion-centric fundraisers endorsed by celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Akon, Katie Couric, and others. Runway to Hope has been recognized as The Best Charity Event in Central Florida over 12 times.

Apart from Runway to Hope, NeJame has hosted various other charity events, including the Heart Fund Ball (heart), Shepard’s Hope (working poor), the Masquerade Ball (HIV/AIDS), and Fashion Funds the Cure (pediatric cancer). He is also involved in non-profit organizations such as the International Prostate Cancer Foundation and Seeds of Peace.

Notable cases
Throughout his career, NeJame handled cases across the United States and the Caribbean, representing notable clients such as Lou Pearlman, Tiger Woods, George and Cindy Anthony, Congressman Alan Grayson, and Leo Visco. He successfully brought a case and recovered against NBA legend Charles Barkley for an incident involving his client being thrown through a plate glass window. Currently, NeJame is pursuing a claim against WBA World Lightweight and Featherweight Boxing Champion Gervonta Tank Davis for alleged battery against his client, who was providing aid to Davis’ child’s mother.

Notably, NeJame declined George Zimmerman’s request for representation on two occasions regarding the death of Trayvon Martin. He also terminated his representation of George and Cindy Anthony when they requested him to speak on behalf of their daughter Casey Anthony, accused of murdering their granddaughter, Caylee Anthony.

In addition to his legal practice, NeJame is a legal speaker, delivering lectures at numerous events on major legal cases and issues. As a renowned trial lawyer, he has volunteered for over 25 years teaching law enforcement and has been a guest speaker and lecturer at law schools, legal seminars, and the FBI.

Awards and recognition
NeJame has maintained a consistent presence on the list of the 50 Most Powerful People In Central Florida, and NeJame Law has received recognition as the Best Law Firm in Central Florida on multiple occasions. His awards and accolades showcase his impact and influence in the legal and Central Florida community:


 * Lifetime Achievement Award in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
 * Humanitarian of the Year Award by Onyx Magazine
 * Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
 * Nominated for an Emmy Award for being a part of the WKMG-TV team that covered the Casey Anthony case
 * Visionary Award by the annual Mahatma Gandhi Diversity Organization
 * Hall of Fame Edgewater High School
 * Community Pilar Award by EMERGE USA
 * City of Orlando Proclamation “Mark NeJame Day” issued by Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando
 * Arab American of the Year by the Arab American Community Center
 * Recipient of the Award for Excellence in Fundraising by a Nonprofit, by the Association of Fundraising Professionals