
James D. Lantier, General Attorney in Syracuse, New York
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on General, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratSmith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C.
Syracuse, NY
Practicing general in Syracuse since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James D. Lantier?
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Quick answer
James D. Lantier is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Syracuse, NY
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- General · Litigation · Medical Malpractice
- Handles General, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice matters from Syracuse, NY.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James D. Lantier: James D. Lantier is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James D. Lantier
James concentrates on general, litigation, medical malpractice, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Product Liability
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General cases in Syracuse, New York
James takes general matters in Syracuse, New York. 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 Syracuse, New York
James takes litigation matters in Syracuse, New York. 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.
Medical Malpractice cases in Syracuse, New York
James takes medical malpractice matters in Syracuse, New York. 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.
Product Liability cases in Syracuse, New York
James takes product liability matters in Syracuse, New York. 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
About James D. Lantier — Over 51 years of New York general experience
James D. Lantier is a partner based in Syracuse, NY. The practice focuses on General, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Phi Delta Phi.
Working with James on a general matter
Phi Delta Phi.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, litigation, and medical malpractice matters in Syracuse and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
James D. Lantier's legal education and bar admissions
Syracuse University College of Law
J.D. · 1973
Boston College
B.A. · 1969
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
New York U.S. Distri
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Syracuse University College of Law and B.A. in Boston College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Syracuse University College of Law and B.A. in Boston College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James D. Lantier
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
Onondaga County Bar Association New York State Bar Association American Bar Association Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel
membership
Locations
James D. Lantier's office in Syracuse
James's primary office is at 250 South Clinton Street, Suite 600, Syracuse, NY, 13202-1252. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C.
250 South Clinton Street, Suite 600
Syracuse, NY 13202-1252
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James D. Lantier — 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 Syracuse.
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 D. Lantier claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James D. Lantier — 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 Syracuse, New York
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 D. Lantier
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 New York 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 Syracuse?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 Syracuse and Albany in New York
James handles general matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Syracuse handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





