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

How long do legal cases in Florida typically take?

Simple legal 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 Lake Placid?

James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 legal clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James E Tompkins — Attorney in Lake Placid, Florida

Over 54 years of legal practice · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Managing PartneratDavis and Tompkins, P.A.

Lake Placid, FL

Practicing law in Lake Placid since 1972.

54+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Are you James E Tompkins?

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.

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Quick answer

James E Tompkins is a managing partner based in Lake Placid, FL. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Davis and Tompkins, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Lake Placid, FL
Experience: over 54 years
Known for: legal services

Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Biography

James E Tompkins, legal attorney serving Lake Placid

Mr. James E Tompkins is a lawyer. James received a B.A. degree from Clemson University in 1969, and has been licensed for 54 years. James practices at Davis and Tompkins, P.A. in Lake Placid, FL.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Lake Placid and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

University of Florida
J.D. · 1972
Clemson University
B.A. · 1969

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Florida
1972 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in Clemson University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in Clemson University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Highlands County Bar Association (President, 1981-1982) The Florida Bar Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership

Locations

James E Tompkins's office in Lake Placid

James's primary office is at 3109 Placid View Dr., Lake Placid, FL, 33852-5031. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Davis and Tompkins, P.A.

3109 Placid View Dr.

Lake Placid, FL 33852-5031

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James E Tompkins — 4.4/5 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 legal attorneys in Lake Placid.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James E Tompkins claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James E Tompkins — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal 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 legal attorney in Lake Placid, Florida

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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 legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James E Tompkins

How much does it cost to hire James for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in Florida typically take?
Simple legal 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 Lake Placid?
James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 legal 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

Attorneys serving Lake Placid, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Every city below is a direct link into the search page for verified attorneys serving Florida.

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