Profile
Each of Boatman Ricci’s three equity shareholders bring distinct paths to one shared conviction. Jim Boatman founded the firm in 2007 on a “Truth Guided, Relationship Driven” mindset; Ernest Ricci joined eight years later and rose to equity partner within two years, later becoming chief operating officer; Stephen Schahrer joined as a summer law clerk in 2016 and advanced to equity ownership by 2023. Today, with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island, the three lead a premier litigation boutique handling construction, business, real estate, and trust and estate disputes across Florida.
JAMES A. BOATMAN JR.
Jim Boatman is an AV-Preeminent rated litigator and recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s “Client Distinction Award,” held by less than one percent of AV-rated attorneys. Guided by the firm’s motto, he’s built a culture around integrity and relationship in every case and courtroom appearance. He has been married to Joy for 34 years, and they have four children.
ERNEST A. RICCI
Ernest Ricci is an AV-Preeminent rated shareholder and the firm’s chief operating officer, representing clients in business, construction, and real estate litigation. Raised in Pittsburgh in a family that has run Ricci’s Italian Sausage Company since 1945, he was a four-year football letterman at Dickinson College before earning his J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. His leadership was significant enough that the firm was renamed Boatman Ricci in his honor in 2020. He lives in Naples with his wife, Judy, and their children, Ernie and Bella.
STEPHEN C. SCHAHRER
Stephen Schahrer’s rise from summer law clerk to equity shareholder in just seven years reflects a work ethic the firm has come to rely on. An AV-Preeminent rated attorney and Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award recipient, he recently earned Board Certification in Business Litigation, a distinction held by only a small fraction of Florida attorneys. A lifelong Naples resident, he practices business and commercial litigation and serves as outside general counsel to several local businesses and nonprofits. He lives with his wife, Rhya, and their three children.
Together, the three embody Boatman Ricci’s commitment to principled, relationship-driven advocacy.
bo@boatmanricci.com
Boatman Ricci
3021 Airport-Pulling Road N., Ste. 202
Naples, FL 34105
(239) 330-1494
boatmanricci.com
