James A. Bach

James A. Bach, Immigration Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 46 years of legal practice · 4.9/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

DirectoratLaw Offices of James A. Bach

San Francisco, CA

Practicing immigration in San Francisco since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
8 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

James A. Bach is a director based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of James A. Bach. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
Immigration
  • Handles Immigration matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James A. Bach: James A. Bach is a director based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of James A. Bach. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on immigration. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Immigration cases in San Francisco, California

James takes immigration matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James A. Bach — immigration lawyer in San Francisco

James A. Bach is a director based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Immigration. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of James A. Bach. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Previous Employment: Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May, now Reed Smith. Author of two books, "The HR Manager's Guide To Immigration Law" (2011) and "How To Secure Your H-1B Visa" (2013), and numerous articles on Immigration Law. Commissioner, California State Bar Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission 2009 - 2013 (Chair, 2011-2012).

How James handles immigration matters

Previous Employment: Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May, now Reed Smith. Author of two books, "The HR Manager's Guide To Immigration Law" (2011) and "How To Secure Your H-1B Visa" (2013), and numerous articles on Immigration Law. Commissioner, California State Bar Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission 2009 - 2013 (Chair, 2011-2012).

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for immigration matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of California - San Francisco

    J.D. · 1979

  • Dartmouth College

    B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Hawaii

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1980 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of California - San Francisco and B.A. in Dartmouth College.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of California - San Francisco and B.A. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of California (Immigration and Nationality Law Advisory Commission) American Immigration Lawyers Association Bay Area Lawyers Network Dartmouth Lawyers Association Hawaii State Bar Association

    membership

Locations

James A. Bach's office in San Francisco

James's primary office is at Shell Building, 100 Bush Street, Suite 1980, San Francisco, CA, 94104-3902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of James A. Bach

Shell Building, 100 Bush Street, Suite 1980

San Francisco, CA 94104-3902

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Bach — 4.9/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing immigration attorneys in San Francisco.

4.9

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James A. Bach claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James A. Bach — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new immigration attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a immigration attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many immigration matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in immigration practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every immigration matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many immigration practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Bach

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a immigration case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does James offer a free consultation?

    James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some immigration attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do immigration cases in California typically take?

    Simple immigration matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can James take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is James accepting new immigration clients right now?

    James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Immigration attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

James handles immigration matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified immigration attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these immigration attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.