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James C. Burling, General Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratWilmerHale

Boston, MA

Practicing general in Boston since 1977.

49+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James C. Burling is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and IP. James has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at WilmerHale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Boston, MA
Experience
over 49 years
Known for
General · Government · IP
  • Handles General, Government, and IP matters from Boston, MA.
  • Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James C. Burling: James C. Burling is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and IP. James has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at WilmerHale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on general, government, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Boston, Massachusetts

James takes general matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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.

Government cases in Boston, Massachusetts

James takes government matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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.

IP cases in Boston, Massachusetts

James takes ip matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Boston, Massachusetts

James takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 C. Burling — general lawyer in Boston

James C. Burling is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and IP. James has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at WilmerHale. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James C. Burling is a lawyer practicing litigation/controversy, antitrust litigation, intellectual property litigation and 2 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from Grinnell College in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. James practices at WilmerHale in Boston, MA.

How James handles general matters

James C. Burling is a lawyer practicing litigation/controversy, antitrust litigation, intellectual property litigation and 2 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from Grinnell College in 1972, and has been licensed for 49 years. James practices at WilmerHale in Boston, MA.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and ip matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard University Law School

    J.D. · 1976

  • Grinnell College

    A.B. · 1972

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts U.S. S

    1977 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Harvard University Law School and A.B. in Grinnell College.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Harvard University Law School and A.B. in Grinnell College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Massachusetts 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 C. Burling's office in Boston

James's primary office is at 60 State St., Boston, MA, 02108. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

WilmerHale

60 State St.

Boston, MA 02108

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James C. Burling — 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 general attorneys in Boston.

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 C. Burling claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James C. Burling — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James C. Burling

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

  • How long do general cases in Massachusetts typically take?

    Simple general 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 Boston?

    James is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts 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 general 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

General attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts

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

More counsel

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