Dedicated to Defending Your Rights & Protecting Your Future
Mark NeJame

THE POWER WORTHY

Our list of the people, places and things that shape Orlando, or should

That other newspaper, the name of which escapes us at the moment, publishes an annual list of the 25 most powerful people in Central Florida that is, frankly, depressing as hell. It's as chockablock with developers, politicians and high-level business execs as you'd guess such a list might be in a town constantly criticized for lacking any real cultural spark. Are we really so hidebound that the average "player" on such a list is a 57-year-old white guy?

Yes.

But we also know there's another Orlando out there, one that isn't (always) ruled by the almighty dollar. And it's populated by folks who don't necessarily see it as their mission in life to make that other paper's list; they'd rather live in an interesting, dynamic city than rule in a dull one.

So here's our list of people who wield some measure of influence in that Orlando, or should. We're not saying the other paper's list is wrong; to the contrary, it's all too right. But maybe Orlando would be a little less parochial if a few of the following folks made that annual compendium.

. . .

Mark NeJame
Managing partner, NeJame, LaFay, Jancha, Barker and Tumarkin

Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Mark NeJameHe's short, he's pushy, he's funny, he's impeccably groomed – and in this town, Mark NeJame is a player. He's been a high-profile, media-savvy (he was once married to WESH-TV anchor Wendi Chioji) criminal defense attorney for years, unafraid to open his files to local media (us included) when he thinks it will help his client. He defended I-Drive mogul Jesse Maali when the Feds accused him of being a terrorist, and for the last two years, he's had the thankless job of defending city commissioner Ernest Page. NeJame won the protracted battle over Page's disputed, and narrow, 2004 election victory, but for good reason – the law was clearly on his side. This year, with criminal charges hanging over Page's head, things might not be as easy. Still, if Page wants someone who can work the cameras as well as the courtroom, he went to the right place.

But more importantly, NeJame is a mover and shaker on the downtown scene. He's not just the majority owner of Tabu – which has been open longer than most of Orlando's nightclubs – but he's also an advocate for bar owners all over downtown and one of the leaders in the (now on hiatus) push for longer drinking hours. When that becomes an issue again – and it will – expect NeJame to be front and center, lobbying for the city to treat its citizens like adults.

Copyright © 2006, Orlando Weekly
Categories
  • ★★★★★

    Forever Have My Gratitude

    “THE MOST brilliant, and dedicated professionals I ever met! I was engaged in a very complex civil matter with my employer. The Honorable Mark NeJame is the real deal – he is irreplaceable and Orlando should be proud.”

    - A.M.
  • ★★★★★

    Best in Town

    “I was involved in a car accident, and Nejame Law Office took my case and the result was phenomenal. I got way more money than I expected.”

    - D.T.
  • ★★★★★

    Best Law Firm

    “NeJame law firm assisted me with a legal transaction and I can wholeheartedly say that they are without question the best law firm that I have ever had the opportunity to assist me in legal matters.”

    - P.T.
  • ★★★★★

    Two Felonies Dropped

    “I am very grateful for hiring the NeJame Law team in my case. They did a very good job and worked very hard intricately and in great detail which resulted in having 2 felonies dropped with no probation.”

    - B.F.
  • ★★★★★

    We would highly recommend NeJame law to anyone that asked!

    “My wife and I turned to NeJame Law when we got married and needed an immigration attorney to assist with the immigration process. We were pleased with how well we were treated and how easy our attorney made the entire process.”

    - O.H.

When Your Future Is On the Line... Help Is Here

Put NeJame Law On Your Team Today