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

How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

Simple business 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 Clearwater?

James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 business clients right now?

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

James A Staack, Business Attorney in Clearwater

Quick answer

James A Staack is a member based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Consumer. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Staack & Simms, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Clearwater, FL
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Business · Class Action · Consumer

Handles Business, Class Action, and Consumer matters from Clearwater, FL.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

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

Business cases in Clearwater, Florida

James takes business matters in Clearwater, Florida. 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 Clearwater, Florida

James takes class action matters in Clearwater, Florida. 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 Clearwater, Florida

James takes consumer matters in Clearwater, Florida. 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 Clearwater, Florida

James takes litigation matters in Clearwater, Florida. 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.

Probate cases in Clearwater, Florida

James takes probate matters in Clearwater, Florida. 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 Staack — business lawyer in Clearwater

James A Staack is a member based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Consumer. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Staack & Simms, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Jim has been a practicing attorney in Pinellas County, Florida, since 1980. He holds a license to practice in all Florida State courts, all Federal Districts of Florida, and the Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. A certified Real Estate Specialist by the Florida Bar Board from 1991 to 2022, Jim has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest level of peer recognition. He is also a licensed real estate broker in Florida. As the founder of the firm, Jim's extensive experience encompasses real estate transactions and litigation, including large commercial deals, mobile home park conversions, and condominium and timeshare terminations. He also handles loan workouts, complex litigation, consumer class actions, and serves as a timeshare foreclosure trustee for resorts statewide. Fluent in German, Jim is part of the German-American Lawyers Association and has held leadership roles with the Pinellas County Deaf Services Center and the Hearing Connection of Tampa Bay. Active in the arts community, he has served on the boards of the Tampa Bay Symphony and the American Stage Company. Jim resides in Pinellas County with his wife, Eva, and enjoys being near his children and grandchildren.

How James handles business matters

Jim has been a practicing attorney in Pinellas County, Florida, since 1980. He holds a license to practice in all Florida State courts, all Federal Districts of Florida, and the Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. A certified Real Estate Specialist by the Florida Bar Board from 1991 to 2022, Jim has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest level of peer recognition.…

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and consumer matters in Clearwater and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Stetson University College of Law
J.D. · 1979
New York University
B.F.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
Florida
1980 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and B.F.A. in New York University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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 Staack's office in Clearwater

James's primary office is at 51 S. Main Avenue, Suite 319, Clearwater, FL, 33765. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Staack & Simms, PLLC

51 S. Main Avenue, Suite 319

Clearwater, FL 33765

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James A Staack — 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 business attorneys in Clearwater.

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 Staack claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Clearwater, Florida

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A Staack

How much does it cost to hire James for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Florida typically take?
Simple business 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 Clearwater?
James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 business 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 Florida residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like James A Staack. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Force A Partner To Sell Their Share In My Florida Business?
I have a co-owner in my Jacksonville, Florida, business who isn’t contributing anymore and I want to buy them out. I’m unsure if I can force them to sell their share. What legal op
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
Do I Need A Business License For My Food Truck In Florida?
I’m planning to start a food truck in Orlando, Florida, and I’m confused about the licensing requirements. I heard I might need several permits, including a health permit and a bus
1 verified answer · Business · Florida
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Clearwater, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

James A Staack, Business Attorney in Clearwater, Florida

Quick answer