James Edward Bird, Bankruptcy Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
ShareholderatPolsinelli PC
Kansas City, MO
Practicing bankruptcy in Kansas City since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you James Edward Bird?
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Quick answer
James Edward Bird is a shareholder based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polsinelli PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Kansas City, MO
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Chapter 11 · Chapter 13
- Handles Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 matters from Kansas City, MO.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Edward Bird: James Edward Bird is a shareholder based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polsinelli PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on bankruptcy, chapter 11, chapter 13, chapter 7, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Chapter 11
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Chapter 13
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Chapter 7
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Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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Bankruptcy cases in Kansas City, Missouri
James takes bankruptcy matters in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.
Chapter 11 cases in Kansas City, Missouri
James takes chapter 11 matters in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.
Chapter 13 cases in Kansas City, Missouri
James takes chapter 13 matters in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.
Chapter 7 cases in Kansas City, Missouri
James takes chapter 7 matters in Kansas City, Missouri. 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.
Civil Rights cases in Kansas City, Missouri
James takes civil rights matters in Kansas City, Missouri. 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 Edward Bird — bankruptcy lawyer in Kansas City
James Edward Bird is a shareholder based in Kansas City, MO. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polsinelli PC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
James Edward Bird is a lawyer practicing chapter 11 bankruptcy, chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 13 bankruptcy and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. James practices at Polsinelli PC in Kansas City, MO.
Working with James on a bankruptcy matter
James Edward Bird is a lawyer practicing chapter 11 bankruptcy, chapter 7 bankruptcy, chapter 13 bankruptcy and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. James practices at Polsinelli PC in Kansas City, MO.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, chapter 11, and chapter 13 matters in Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Washburn University School of Law
J.D. · 1980
University of Missouri-Kansas City
B.A. University · 1976
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1998 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Washburn University School of Law and B.A. University in University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Washburn University School of Law and B.A. University in University of Missouri-Kansas City. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Missouri 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.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Kansas City Metropolitan and American Bar Associations The Missouri Bar American Bankruptcy Institute Turnaround Management Association
membership
Locations
James Edward Bird's office in Kansas City
James's primary office is at 900 W. 48th Place, Ste. 900, Kansas City, MO, 64112. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Edward Bird — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
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 bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas City.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Edward Bird claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Edward Bird — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Kansas City, Missouri
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Edward Bird
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Kansas City?
James is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Kansas City, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Missouri
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





