James E Cleveland III, Appellate Attorney in Lexington, Kentucky
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Employment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AssociateatDinsmore & Shohl LLP
Lexington, KY
Practicing appellate in Lexington since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you James E Cleveland III?
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Quick answer
James E Cleveland III is an associate based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and General. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lexington, KY
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Employment · General
- Handles Appellate, Employment, and General matters from Lexington, KY.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James E Cleveland III: James E Cleveland III is an associate based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and General. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on appellate, employment, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Employment
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Appellate cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes appellate 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.
Employment cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes employment 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.
General cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes general 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.
Insurance cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes insurance 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.
Litigation cases in Lexington, Kentucky
James takes litigation 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 E Cleveland III — appellate lawyer in Lexington
James E Cleveland III is an associate based in Lexington, KY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and General. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James E Cleveland III is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, insurance, labor and employment law, benefits & compensation and 3 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from University of Kentucky in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Lexington, KY.
James's approach to appellate cases
James E Cleveland III is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, insurance, labor and employment law, benefits & compensation and 3 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from University of Kentucky in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP in Lexington, KY.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, employment, and general matters in Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Louisville College of Law
J.D. · 1974
University of Kentucky
A.B. · 1971
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
United States Distri
1989 · ACTIVE
United States Court
1982 · ACTIVE
United States Suprem
1980 · ACTIVE
United States Distri
1975 · ACTIVE
Kentucky
1974 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Louisville College of Law and A.B. in University of Kentucky.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Louisville College of Law and A.B. in University of Kentucky. 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.
Locations
James E Cleveland III's office in Lexington
James's primary office is at 100 West Main Street, Suite 900, Lexington, KY, 40507. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
100 West Main Street, Suite 900
Lexington, KY 40507
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James E Cleveland III — 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 appellate 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 E Cleveland III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James E Cleveland III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Lexington, Kentucky
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James E Cleveland III
How much does it cost to hire James for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Kentucky typically take?
Simple appellate 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Lexington, Louisville and Frankfort in Kentucky
James handles appellate matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Kentucky
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Lexington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





