J. COURTNEY CUNNINGHAM
Many attorneys have practical experience in disability discrimination, but very few have a personal story that aligns with their practice. My son has autism. Watching the hardships he faced growing up in a world that isn’t always receptive to the needs of the disabled compelled me to take action to make a change. I knew I wanted to help others dealing with similar issues. Becoming a disability rights attorney gave me the opportunity to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. I give my clients the chance to tell their stories—the chance to have their voices heard.
You don't have to accept discrimination. It’s as simple as that. Whether you’ve encountered an inaccessible website, you’ve been denied fair housing, or you’ve been on the receiving end of discriminatory behavior because of a disability, you can—and should—fight back. I want to help you take action. I’ll advise you on your legal options so you can advocate for your rights and seek to hold the discriminatory parties accountable.
If you’re facing discrimination, don’t suffer in silence. Tell me your story. Together, we can fight for the fair treatment you deserve.
My practice focuses solely on representing victims of digital discrimination, discriminatory housing practices, and general disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I have successfully settled numerous discrimination cases without the need for litigation, but I have also fought for clients in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Whether your discrimination case can be resolved outside the courtroom or we must go to trial, I am prepared to tenaciously defend your rights and seek to force the involved defendants to end their discriminatory practices.
My Experience Sets Me Apart
Before opening my own firm, I had the opportunity to serve in the administration of President George H.W. Bush in the United States Department of Labor. In this position, I handled day-to-day legislative and regulatory affairs for three agencies with the Department including the Wage and Hour Administration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP).
The Wage and Hour Administration enforces federal minimum wage and overtime regulations, whereas the OFCCP ensures that companies doing business with the federal government comply with federal anti-discrimination laws like the Americans with Disabilities Acts and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. I also served as a member of the team that worked with Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act.
My professional experience coupled with my personal background as a father to a child with a disability has given me a unique perspective on the cases I handle. Unlike other disability rights attorneys, I am able to see my clients’ situations through their eyes and use my in-depth knowledge of disability discrimination law to fight for their rights. You have the right to full and equal enjoyment of public accommodations, fair housing, and participation in any program or activity receiving federal funds. If you’ve been denied any of these rights because of your disability in Orlando, Tampa, or West Palm Beach, contact me today at J. Courtney Cunningham Attorney at Law in Miami, Florida to discuss your case and your possible paths forward. Together, we can strive to make a change and advocate for a world that is accessible for all.
The Federal Bar Association
J. Courtney Cunningham has been elected to the Executive Committee of the South Florida Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (FBA). The Federal Bar Association is the leading voluntary bar association for lawyers practicing in the nation’s federal courts.
The Federal Bar Association (FBA) is dedicated to promoting the welfare, interests, education, and professional development of attorneys involved in federal law. With more than 19,000 members—including 1,500 federal judges—its members run the gamut of federal practice, from small to large firms, corporations and federal agencies. The FBA serves as the catalyst for communication between the bar and the bench, as well as the private and public sectors.
The National Fair Housing Alliance Enforcement Advisory Committee
I am honored to have been named to the National Fair Housing Alliance Enforcement (NFHA) Advisory Committee. This is a recognition of the work I have done to fight against housing discrimination.
The National Fair Housing Alliance leads the fair housing movement at the national level. NFHA works to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure equitable housing opportunities for all people and communities through its education and outreach, member services, public policy, advocacy, housing and community development, tech equity, enforcement and consulting and compliance programs.
Bar Admissions
Florida
US District Court, Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Education
J.D. - University of Florida Levin College of Law, 1986
B.A. - University of Florida
Professional Associations & Memberships
Disability Rights Bar Association
Board Member, Federal Bar Association
Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter, National Bar Association