James Chafel McGrath

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

Are you James Chafel McGrath?

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.

Claim this profile — free

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 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.

Main office

Bingham McCutchen LLP

One Federal Street

Boston, MA 02110

Open in Google Maps

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 reviews

Hiring 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

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.