James A. Labarge

James A. Labarge, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Product Liability · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratPretzel & Stouffer Chartered

Chicago, IL

Practicing general in Chicago since 1990.

36+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James A. Labarge is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Product Liability. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 36 years
Known for
General · Litigation · Product Liability
  • Handles General, Litigation, and Product Liability matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James A. Labarge: James A. Labarge is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Product Liability. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Chicago

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

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chicago, Illinois

James takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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.

Product Liability cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes product liability matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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

James A. Labarge, general attorney serving Chicago

James A. Labarge is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Product Liability. James has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on general matters across the region.

James A. Labarge is a lawyer practicing products liability, gas explosion, fire litigation and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. James practices at Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered in Chicago, IL.

Working with James on a general matter

James A. Labarge is a lawyer practicing products liability, gas explosion, fire litigation and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 36 years. James practices at Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered in Chicago, IL.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and product liability matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • Northern Illinois University College of Law

    J.D. · 1990

  • Michigan State University

    B.A. · 1984

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Illinois U.S. Distri

    1990 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Northern Illinois University College of Law and B.A. in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

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. Labarge's office in Chicago

James's primary office is at One South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL, 60606-4708. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Pretzel & Stouffer Chartered

One South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500

Chicago, IL 60606-4708

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Labarge — 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 general attorneys in Chicago.

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. Labarge claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

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

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Labarge

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

  • How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple general 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 Chicago?

    James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois 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 general 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

General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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