James C Clay, Real Estate Attorney in Lexington, Kentucky
Over 62 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatClay & Clay
Lexington, KY
Practicing real estate in Lexington since 1964.
- 62+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James C Clay?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
James C Clay is a member based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Real Estate. James has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clay & Clay. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lexington, KY
- Experience
- over 62 years
- Known for
- Real Estate
- Handles Real Estate matters from Lexington, KY.
- Over 62 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James C Clay: James C Clay is a member based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Real Estate. James has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clay & Clay. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes real estate matters in Lexington, Kentucky. 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 Clay — real estate lawyer in Lexington
James C Clay is a member based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Real Estate. James has over 62 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Clay & Clay. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James C Clay is a lawyer practicing real estate law. James received a A.B. degree from Morehead State University in 1958, and has been licensed for 62 years. James practices at Clay & Clay in Lexington, KY.
How James handles real estate matters
James C Clay is a lawyer practicing real estate law. James received a A.B. degree from Morehead State University in 1958, and has been licensed for 62 years. James practices at Clay & Clay in Lexington, KY.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Kentucky
LL.B. · 1964
Morehead State University
A.B. · 1958
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Kentucky
1964 · ACTIVE
James studied at LL.B. in University of Kentucky and A.B. in Morehead State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed LL.B. in University of Kentucky and A.B. in Morehead State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Kentucky 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.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Fayette County and Kentucky Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James C Clay's office in Lexington
James's primary office is at 177 N. Upper St., Ste. 207, Lexington, KY, 40507. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James C Clay — 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 real estate attorneys in Lexington.
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 Clay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James C Clay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate 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 real estate attorney in Lexington, Kentucky
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate 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 real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James C Clay
How much does it cost to hire James for a real estate 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 real estate attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in Kentucky typically take?
Simple real estate 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 Lexington?
James is licensed in Kentucky. Matters governed by Kentucky 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 real estate 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
Real Estate attorneys serving Lexington, Louisville and Frankfort in Kentucky
James handles real estate matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated real estate attorneys in Kentucky
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these real estate attorneys in Lexington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





