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

How long do car accidents cases in Wisconsin typically take?

Simple car accidents 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 Madison?

James is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin 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 car accidents 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. Olson, Car Accidents Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

Over 60 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Class Action, and Consumer

Senior Shareholder and AttorneyatLawton Cates, S.C.

Madison, WI

Practicing car accidents in Madison since 1966.

60+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Class Action Consumer General Insurance Motorcycle +4 more →

Are you James A. Olson?

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Quick answer

James A. Olson is a senior shareholder and attorney based in Madison, WI. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Class Action, and Consumer. James has over 60 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lawton Cates, S.C..

Based in: Madison, WI
Experience: over 60 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Class Action · Consumer

Handles Car Accidents, Class Action, and Consumer matters from Madison, WI.
Over 60 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on car accidents, class action, consumer, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes car accidents matters in Madison, Wisconsin. 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 Madison, Wisconsin

James takes class action matters in Madison, Wisconsin. 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.

Consumer cases in Madison, Wisconsin

James takes consumer matters in Madison, Wisconsin. 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 Madison, Wisconsin

James takes general matters in Madison, Wisconsin. 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 Madison, Wisconsin

James takes insurance matters in Madison, Wisconsin. 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. Olson — car accidents lawyer in Madison

Member, Board of Editors, Wisconsin Law Review, 1964-1966. Lecturer on Environmental Litigation, University of Wisconsin, 1976—. Member, Wisconsin Citizens Advisory Board to the Public Intervenor, 1976-1982.

James's approach to car accidents cases

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, class action, and consumer matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Wisconsin
J.D. · 1966
University of Wisconsin
B.S. · 1961

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Wisconsin
1966 · ACTIVE
U.S. Federal Court
1966 · ACTIVE

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

Law school and academic background

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

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Dane County Bar Association State Bar of Wisconsin Wisconsin Association of Justice The American Association for Justice
membership

Locations

James A. Olson's office in Madison

James's primary office is at 1050 East Washington Ave., Suite 330, Madison, WI, 53701-2965. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lawton Cates, S.C.

1050 East Washington Ave., Suite 330

Madison, WI 53701-2965

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Olson

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. Olson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents 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 car accidents attorney in Madison, Wisconsin

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents 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 car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Olson

How much does it cost to hire James for a car accidents 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 car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple car accidents 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 Madison?
James is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin 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 car accidents 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

Car Accidents attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin

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

More counsel

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