James Earl Friedhofer, Appellate Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatFriedhofer PC
San Diego, CA
Practicing appellate in San Diego since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Earl Friedhofer?
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.
Quick answer
James Earl Friedhofer is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Friedhofer PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Appellate · General · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, General, and Litigation matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Earl Friedhofer: James Earl Friedhofer is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Friedhofer PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Earl Friedhofer
James concentrates on appellate, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
View other Appellate attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Appellate cases in San Diego, California
James takes appellate matters in San Diego, California. 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 San Diego, California
James takes general matters in San Diego, California. 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 San Diego, California
James takes litigation matters in San Diego, California. 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.
Personal Injury cases in San Diego, California
James takes personal injury matters in San Diego, California. 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 Earl Friedhofer — Over 37 years of California appellate experience
James Earl Friedhofer is a member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Friedhofer PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. James Earl Friedhofer is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, law practice mgmt, litigation and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Texas at Austin in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Friedhofer PC in San Diego, CA.
How James handles appellate matters
Mr. James Earl Friedhofer is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, law practice mgmt, litigation and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Texas at Austin in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Friedhofer PC in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and litigation matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
James Earl Friedhofer's legal education and bar admissions
University of Texas at Austin
J.D. · 1989
University of Texas at Austin
B.A. University · 1986
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Texas U.S. District
1995 · ACTIVE
California
1989 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Texas at Austin and B.A. University in University of Texas at Austin.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Texas at Austin and B.A. University in University of Texas at Austin. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Earl Friedhofer
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
San Diego County Bar Association (Member, Appellate Court Committee) Texas Bar Association
membership
Locations
James Earl Friedhofer's office in San Diego
James's primary office is at 11410 Bracken Fern Cv., San Diego, CA, 92131. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Earl Friedhofer — 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 San Diego.
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 Earl Friedhofer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Earl Friedhofer — 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 San Diego, California
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 Earl Friedhofer
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 California 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 San Diego?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
James handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in California
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jonathan P. Brian
Garden Grove, California
5.0· 74