JA

James A Cardenas, Bankruptcy Attorney in New York

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment

Practicing bankruptcy in New York since 1998.

28+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James A Cardenas is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. James has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 28 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Civil Rights · Employment
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About James A Cardenas: James A Cardenas is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. James has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on bankruptcy, civil rights, employment, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in New York

James takes bankruptcy matters in New York. 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.

Civil Rights cases in New York

James takes civil rights matters in New York. 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.

Employment cases in New York

James takes employment matters in New York. 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 New York

James takes general matters in New York. 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.

Insurance cases in New York

James takes insurance matters in New York. 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 Cardenas — bankruptcy lawyer in New York

James A Cardenas is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Civil Rights, and Employment. James has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP.

James A Cardenas is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & debt, insurance, civil rights and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Arizona State University in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. James practices at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP in New York, NY.

James's approach to bankruptcy cases

James A Cardenas is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & debt, insurance, civil rights and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Arizona State University in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. James practices at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP in New York, NY.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, civil rights, and employment matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Rutgers University School of Law

    J.D. · 1997

  • Arizona State University

    B.A. Political · 1993

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • New York U.S. Court

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • New Jersey U.S. Dist

    1998 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Rutgers University School of Law and B.A. Political in Arizona State University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Rutgers University School of Law and B.A. Political in Arizona State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

James A Cardenas's office in New York

James's primary office is at 77 Water St., Ste. 2100, New York, NY, 10005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP

77 Water St., Ste. 2100

New York, NY 10005

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A Cardenas

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

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

Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A Cardenas

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

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in New York typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy 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 New York?

    James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 bankruptcy 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

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

More counsel

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