How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

Simple criminal defense 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 Philadelphia?

James is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James A. Backstrom, Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PrincipalatJames A. Backstrom

Philadelphia, PA

Practicing criminal defense in Philadelphia since 1976.

50+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
10: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense General Health Care Litigation Securities White Collar

Are you James A. Backstrom?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James A. Backstrom is a principal based in Philadelphia, PA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James A. Backstrom. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Philadelphia, PA
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · General · Health Care

Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care matters from Philadelphia, PA.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James A. Backstrom

James concentrates on criminal defense, general, health care, litigation, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James takes criminal defense matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.

General cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James takes general matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.

Health Care cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James takes health care matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.

Litigation cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James takes litigation matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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.

Securities cases in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

James takes securities matters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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

About James A. Backstrom — Over 50 years of Pennsylvania criminal defense experience

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2012. Principal Author: Criminal Antitrust Litigation Handbook, Second Edition, American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law, 2006. Panelist, "Detecting Illegal Behavior within the Company: Audits, Bounties & Leniency", American Bar Association Section of Antitrust Law, Washington, DC, 2009. Chief, Dallas Field Office, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 1982-1987. Special Assistant United States Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1981-1982.

How James handles criminal defense matters

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and health care matters in Philadelphia and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

James A. Backstrom's legal education and bar admissions

University of Pennsylvania
J.D. · 1976
Northwestern University
B.S.S. · 1973

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
Texas
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1985 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1979 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1977 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1976 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.S.S. in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and B.S.S. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James A. Backstrom

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

American Bar Association, Section of Antitrust Law
membership

Locations

James A. Backstrom's office in Philadelphia

James's primary office is at 1515 Market Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19102-1932. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

James A. Backstrom

1515 Market Street, Suite 1200

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1932

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Backstrom — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia.

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense 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 criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Backstrom

How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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 Philadelphia?
James is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Pennsylvania residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like James A. Backstrom. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

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

More counsel

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