James Austin Nelson, Estate Tax Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Tax and Tax
Area Coun. SB/SE IRS
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing estate tax in Los Angeles since 1970.
- 56+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Austin Nelson is an area coun. sb/se irs based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Tax and Tax. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 56 years
- Known for
- Estate Tax · Tax
- Handles Estate Tax and Tax matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Austin Nelson: James Austin Nelson is an area coun. sb/se irs based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Tax and Tax. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on estate tax and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Tax cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes estate tax matters in Los Angeles, California. 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 Los Angeles, California
James takes tax matters in Los Angeles, California. 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 Austin Nelson — estate tax lawyer in Los Angeles
James Austin Nelson is an area coun. sb/se irs based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Tax and Tax. James has over 56 years of legal experience.
James Austin Nelson is a lawyer practicing federal income, estate and gift taxation law. James Austin received a B.A. degree from University of Puget Sound in 1966, and has been licensed for 56 years. James Austin practices in Los Angeles, CA.
James's approach to estate tax cases
James Austin Nelson is a lawyer practicing federal income, estate and gift taxation law. James Austin received a B.A. degree from University of Puget Sound in 1966, and has been licensed for 56 years. James Austin practices in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate tax and tax matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Washington
J.D. · 1969
University of Puget Sound
B.A. · 1966
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1975 · ACTIVE
Washington
1970 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of Puget Sound.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of Puget Sound. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
James Austin Nelson's office in Los Angeles
James's primary office is at 300 N. Los Angeles St., Ste. 3018, Los Angeles, CA, 90012-3308. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Austin Nelson
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Austin Nelson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate tax 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 estate tax attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate tax 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 estate tax practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate tax 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 estate tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Austin Nelson
How much does it cost to hire James for a estate tax 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 estate tax attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do estate tax cases in California typically take?
Simple estate tax 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 Los Angeles?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 estate tax 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
Estate Tax attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
James handles estate tax matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate tax attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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