James Albert Locke, Contracts Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, Energy, and M&A · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
CounselatPhillips Lytle LLP
Buffalo, NY
Practicing contracts in Buffalo since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Albert Locke?
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Quick answer
James Albert Locke is a counsel based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Contracts, Energy, and M&A. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Contracts · Energy · M&A
- Handles Contracts, Energy, and M&A matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Albert Locke: James Albert Locke is a counsel based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Contracts, Energy, and M&A. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Albert Locke
James concentrates on contracts, energy, m&a, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Contracts
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Energy
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M&A
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Tax
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Contracts cases in Buffalo, New York
James takes contracts matters in Buffalo, 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.
Energy cases in Buffalo, New York
James takes energy matters in Buffalo, 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.
M&A cases in Buffalo, New York
James takes m&a matters in Buffalo, 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.
Tax cases in Buffalo, New York
James takes tax matters in Buffalo, 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
About James Albert Locke — Over 51 years of New York contracts experience
James Albert Locke is a counsel based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Contracts, Energy, and M&A. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Phillips Lytle LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Albert Locke is a lawyer practicing contracts & agreements, energy, mergers & acquisitions and 1 other area of law. James received a A.B. degree from Colgate University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, NY.
Working with James on a contracts matter
James Albert Locke is a lawyer practicing contracts & agreements, energy, mergers & acquisitions and 1 other area of law. James received a A.B. degree from Colgate University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo, NY.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, energy, and m&a matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
James Albert Locke's legal education and bar admissions
Albany Law School of Union University
J.D. · 1974
Colgate University
A.B. · 1971
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1975 · ACTIVE
New York
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and A.B. in Colgate University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Albany Law School of Union University and A.B. in Colgate 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.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Albert Locke
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 Albert Locke's office in Buffalo
James's primary office is at One Canalside, 125 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203-2887. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Phillips Lytle LLP
One Canalside, 125 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14203-2887
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Albert Locke — 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 contracts attorneys in Buffalo.
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 Albert Locke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Albert Locke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new contracts 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 contracts attorney in Buffalo, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many contracts 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 contracts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every contracts 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 contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Albert Locke
How much does it cost to hire James for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do contracts cases in New York typically take?
Simple contracts 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 Buffalo?
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 contracts 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
Contracts attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York
James handles contracts matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified contracts attorneys in that community.
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Other top-rated contracts attorneys in New York
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these contracts attorneys in Buffalo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





