James August Rolfes, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and General
PartneratReed Smith LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing business in Chicago since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
James August Rolfes is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Business · Class Action · General
- Handles Business, Class Action, and General matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James August Rolfes: James August Rolfes is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Chicago
James concentrates on business, class action, general, litigation, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Class Action
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General
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Litigation
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Securities
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Consumer
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Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes business 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.
Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes class action 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.
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.
Securities cases in Chicago, Illinois
James takes securities 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 August Rolfes, business attorney serving Chicago
James August Rolfes is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and General. James has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. James works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on business matters across the region.
James August Rolfes is a lawyer practicing securities litigation & enforcement, commercial litigation and disputes, pro bono and 9 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1981, and has been licensed for 38 years. James practices at Reed Smith LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with James on a business matter
James August Rolfes is a lawyer practicing securities litigation & enforcement, commercial litigation and disputes, pro bono and 9 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1981, and has been licensed for 38 years. James practices at Reed Smith LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and general matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Illinois
J.D. · 1987
University of Michigan
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Colorado Indiana
2014 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1989 · ACTIVE
New York
1988 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. in University of Michigan. 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.
Locations
James August Rolfes's office in Chicago
James's primary office is at 10 S. Wacker Dr., 40th Fl., Chicago, IL, 60606-7453. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James August Rolfes
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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James August Rolfes — 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 Chicago, Illinois
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 August Rolfes
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 Illinois 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 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 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.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
James handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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