James D. Wilson

James D. Wilson, Business Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Class Action, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratTaft

Chicago, IL

Practicing business in Chicago since 1971.

55+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
4
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James D. Wilson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Estate Planning. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 55 years
Known for
Business · Class Action · Estate Planning
  • Handles Business, Class Action, and Estate Planning matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James D. Wilson: James D. Wilson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Estate Planning. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James D. Wilson

James concentrates on business, class action, estate planning, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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.

Class Action cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes class action matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes estate planning matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chicago, Illinois

James takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Chicago, Illinois

James takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Wilson — Over 55 years of Illinois business experience

James D. Wilson is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Estate Planning. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Taft. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James D. Wilson is a lawyer practicing lending and corporate finance, eminent domain, litigation and 9 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1973, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Taft in Chicago, IL.

How James handles business matters

James D. Wilson is a lawyer practicing lending and corporate finance, eminent domain, litigation and 9 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1973, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Taft in Chicago, IL.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and estate planning matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

James D. Wilson's legal education and bar admissions

  • Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago - Kent College of Law

    J.D. · 1978

  • Oregon State University

    B.S. · 1973

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Pennsylvania

    2005 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois U.S. Distri

    1978 · ACTIVE

  • Louisiana

    1971 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago - Kent College of Law and B.S. in Oregon State University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago - Kent College of Law and B.S. in Oregon State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James D. Wilson

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

  • Professional Affiliations/Recognitions Chicago Bar Association

    Past Member, Board of Managers Past Chair, Young Lawyers' Section), American Judicature Society (Member, Board of Directors), Academy of Court Appointed Masters (Member · membership

Locations

James D. Wilson's office in Chicago

James's primary office is at 111 East Wacker, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL, 60601-4208. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Taft

111 East Wacker, Suite 2600

Chicago, IL 60601-4208

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James D. Wilson — 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 business attorneys in Chicago.

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. Wilson claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James D. Wilson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James D. Wilson

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

  • How long do business cases in Illinois typically take?

    Simple business 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 Chicago?

    James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois 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 business 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

Business attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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