James A. Dunbar

James A. Dunbar, Appellate Attorney in Towson, Maryland

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Class Action · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratVenable LLP

Towson, MD

Practicing appellate in Towson since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James A. Dunbar is a partner based in Towson, MD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Venable LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Towson, MD
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Appellate · Business · Class Action
  • Handles Appellate, Business, and Class Action matters from Towson, MD.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James A. Dunbar: James A. Dunbar is a partner based in Towson, MD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Venable LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James A. Dunbar

James concentrates on appellate, business, class action, litigation, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Towson, Maryland

James takes appellate matters in Towson, Maryland. 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.

Business cases in Towson, Maryland

James takes business matters in Towson, Maryland. 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.

Class Action cases in Towson, Maryland

James takes class action matters in Towson, Maryland. 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 Towson, Maryland

James takes litigation matters in Towson, Maryland. 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.

Trusts cases in Towson, Maryland

James takes trusts matters in Towson, Maryland. 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. Dunbar — Over 45 years of Maryland appellate experience

James A. Dunbar is a partner based in Towson, MD. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Venable LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James A. Dunbar is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, corporate governance and investigations, appellate litigation and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices at Venable LLP in Towson, MD.

James's approach to appellate cases

James A. Dunbar is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, corporate governance and investigations, appellate litigation and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Haverford College in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices at Venable LLP in Towson, MD.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and class action matters in Towson and the surrounding Maryland area.

Credentials

James A. Dunbar's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Virginia School of Law

    J.D. · 1981

  • Haverford College

    B.A. · 1978

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • Maryland

    1981 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Haverford College.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.A. in Haverford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Maryland is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James A. Dunbar

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

James A. Dunbar's office in Towson

James's primary office is at 210 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 500, Towson, MD, 21204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Venable LLP

210 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 500

Towson, MD 21204

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Dunbar — 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 appellate attorneys in Towson.

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. Dunbar claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

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

Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Towson, Maryland

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Dunbar

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

  • How long do appellate cases in Maryland typically take?

    Simple appellate 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 Towson?

    James is licensed in Maryland. Matters governed by Maryland 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 appellate 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

Appellate attorneys serving Towson, Baltimore and Annapolis in Maryland

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

More counsel

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