JACKSONVILLE – The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Fourth Judicial Circuit narrowed its list of candidates to four to fill the vacancy on the Circuit Court Bench created by the retirement of the Hon. Karen K. Cole. The commission originally interviewed eight finalists, and now it will send the four names, including James Kallaher, to Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the vacancy.

The four finalists are: Kallaher, Brooke Brady, London Kite and Kimber Strawbridge. The Fourth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.

Kallaher practices law at Kallaher, DeLuca and Naughton in Orange Park.

He is an accomplished trial attorney and has extensive experience representing general contractors and sub-contractors in complex, multi-party litigation, as well as defending automobile dealerships, convenience stores and other businesses against premises and automobile liability claims.

Previously, Kallaher served an internship for the Hon. Ralph Nimmons and the Hon. Timothy Corrigan of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. He also worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Duval and Clay counties.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Kallaher served on active duty in the U.S. Navy, flying the F-14 and F/A-18. He is a graduate of TOPGUN and is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He served several tours of duty overseas, including in Kuwait and Afghanistan. Kallaher retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2013 as a Commander.

In his free time, Kallaher enjoys fishing and sharing his love of flying with his two children. He is engaged with his local community and has served on several boards, including Crossings at Fleming Island Community Development District, Clay County Victim Services Center and Grace Episcopal Day School Board of Trustees.