James Earl Schaefer, Business Attorney in Shoreview, Minnesota
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate
MemberatJames E. Schaefer
Shoreview, MN
Practicing business in Shoreview since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Earl Schaefer is a member based in Shoreview, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Schaefer.
- Based in
- Shoreview, MN
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Shoreview, MN.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Earl Schaefer: James Earl Schaefer is a member based in Shoreview, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Schaefer.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Earl Schaefer
James concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Shoreview, Minnesota
James takes business matters in Shoreview, Minnesota. 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 Shoreview, Minnesota
James takes estate planning matters in Shoreview, Minnesota. 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.
Probate cases in Shoreview, Minnesota
James takes probate matters in Shoreview, Minnesota. 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.
Real Estate cases in Shoreview, Minnesota
James takes real estate matters in Shoreview, Minnesota. 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 Schaefer — Over 39 years of Minnesota business experience
James Earl Schaefer is a member based in Shoreview, MN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James E. Schaefer.
James Earl Schaefer is a lawyer practicing business law, real estate law, probate law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of St. Thomas in 1977, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at James E. Schaefer in Shoreview, MN.
James's approach to business cases
James Earl Schaefer is a lawyer practicing business law, real estate law, probate law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of St. Thomas in 1977, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at James E. Schaefer in Shoreview, MN.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Shoreview and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
James Earl Schaefer's legal education and bar admissions
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 1987
University of St. Thomas
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1987 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in University of St. Thomas.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law and B.A. in University of St. Thomas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Hennepin County and Minnesota State (Member, Sections on: International Business Corporate Counsel Real Estate) Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Earl Schaefer's office in Shoreview
James's primary office is at 4772 Anderson Ln., Shoreview, MN, 55126. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Earl Schaefer
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Earl Schaefer — 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 Shoreview, Minnesota
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 Earl Schaefer
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 Minnesota 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 Shoreview?
James is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota 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 Shoreview, Minneapolis and St Paul in Minnesota
James handles business matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Shoreview handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





