
James Chafel McGrath, Energy Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Energy, Franchise, and General · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBingham McCutchen LLP
Boston, MA
Practicing energy in Boston since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Chafel McGrath?
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Quick answer
James Chafel McGrath is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Energy, Franchise, and General. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bingham McCutchen LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Boston, MA
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Energy · Franchise · General
- Handles Energy, Franchise, and General matters from Boston, MA.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Chafel McGrath: James Chafel McGrath is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Energy, Franchise, and General. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bingham McCutchen LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on energy, franchise, general, litigation, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy
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Franchise
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General
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Litigation
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Business
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Energy cases in Boston, Massachusetts
James takes energy 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.
Franchise cases in Boston, Massachusetts
James takes franchise 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.
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.
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.
Business cases in Boston, Massachusetts
James takes business 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 Chafel McGrath — energy lawyer in Boston
James Chafel McGrath is a partner based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Energy, Franchise, and General. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bingham McCutchen LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Chafel McGrath is a lawyer practicing antitrust, competition and trade regulation, construction & development, energy & utilities and 4 other areas of law. James received a degree from University of Wisconsin in 1989, and has been licensed for 33 years. James practices at Bingham McCutchen LLP in Boston, MA.
James's approach to energy cases
James Chafel McGrath is a lawyer practicing antitrust, competition and trade regulation, construction & development, energy & utilities and 4 other areas of law. James received a degree from University of Wisconsin in 1989, and has been licensed for 33 years. James practices at Bingham McCutchen LLP in Boston, MA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy, franchise, and general matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boston College Law School
JD · 1993
University of Wisconsin
Bachelor · 1989
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Connecticut U.S. Cou
1994 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1993 · ACTIVE
James studied at JD in Boston College Law School and Bachelor in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
James completed JD in Boston College Law School and Bachelor in University of Wisconsin. 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.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
•American Bar Association •ABA Section of Antitrust Law •ABA Forum on Franchising •Massachusetts Bar Association •Boston Bar Association
membership
Locations
James Chafel McGrath's office in Boston
James's primary office is at One Federal Street, Boston, MA, 02110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Chafel McGrath — 4.0/5 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 energy attorneys in Boston.
4.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Chafel McGrath claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Chafel McGrath — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new energy 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 energy attorney in Boston, Massachusetts
A short list to run through before you commit: How many energy 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 energy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every energy 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 energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Chafel McGrath
How much does it cost to hire James for a energy 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 energy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple energy 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 energy 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
Energy attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts
James handles energy matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated energy attorneys in Massachusetts
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these energy attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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