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

How long do general cases in Kentucky typically take?

Simple general 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 Louisville?

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 general 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 Eric Smith, General Attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

Over 21 years of legal practice · focused on General and Medical Malpractice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratGazak Brown, P.S.C.

Louisville, KY

Practicing general in Louisville since 2005.

21+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

General Medical Malpractice

Are you James Eric Smith?

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 Eric Smith is a partner based in Louisville, KY. The practice focuses on General and Medical Malpractice. James has over 21 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gazak Brown, P.S.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Louisville, KY
Experience: over 21 years
Known for: General · Medical Malpractice

Handles General and Medical Malpractice matters from Louisville, KY.
Over 21 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Louisville

James concentrates on general and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Louisville, Kentucky

James takes general matters in Louisville, 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.

Medical Malpractice cases in Louisville, Kentucky

James takes medical malpractice matters in Louisville, 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

James Eric Smith, general attorney serving Louisville

Following my service I began my studies at the University of Louisville, School of Nursing. While there, among other things, I worked as a research assistant where I studied depression amongst pregnant and parent teenagers. I presented the findings at the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Convention.

During my studies, I was honored with the privilege of further serving our nation as a VALOR Student at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky where I learned from some of the best nurses in our country. Upon graduating and becoming a registered nurse, I transitioned directly into the role of a bed-side caregiver for our veterans in that same facility's Surgical Intensive Care Unit.

During my work at the VA, I began my legal studies at the Brandeis School of Law where I served as the Vice-Chair and then Chair of the Student Bar Foundation where we raised and distributed funds to assist in the

delivery of legal services to underprivileged populations.

Just prior to graduation from law school, I saw a listing for a "boutique medical malpractice defense firm." I researched the firm and learned that the two named partners had also served our country. I knew I had found my calling and I have been at the same firm ever since.

My favorite part of my practice is being able to obtain a just and right result for healthcare providers who have been accused of wrongdoing. I honestly feel that every aspect of my background has brought me to that mission. I have obtained an AV- Martindale-Hubbell Rating, the highest rating obtainable, for my ethical and professional standards.

Fraternities: Sigma Theta Tau; Phi Eta Sigma; Phi Kappa Phi.

How James handles general matters

I was honorably discharged from the United States Army after serving as a Cavalry Scout with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 16th Cavalry, and the 7th Cavalry, and having earned the rank of Sergeant. Following my service I began my studies at the University of Louisville, School of Nursing. While there, among other things, I worked as a research assistant where I studied depression amongst…

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and medical malpractice matters in Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville J.D. Cum Laude
—
University of Louisville B.S.N. Cum Laude
—

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2008 · ACTIVE
Kentucky
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE

James studied at — in Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville J.D. Cum Laude and — in University of Louisville B.S.N. Cum Laude.

Law school and academic background

James completed — in Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville J.D. Cum Laude and — in University of Louisville B.S.N. Cum Laude. 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

James's legal honors and published work

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

Kentucky Bar Association Louisville Bar Association
membership

Locations

James Eric Smith's office in Louisville

James's primary office is at 3220 Office Pointe Place, Suite 200, Louisville, KY, 40220. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Gazak Brown, P.S.C.

3220 Office Pointe Place, Suite 200

Louisville, KY 40220

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Eric Smith — 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 general attorneys in Louisville.

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 Eric Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Eric Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Louisville, Kentucky

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Eric Smith

How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Kentucky typically take?
Simple general 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 Louisville?
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 general 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

General attorneys serving Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort in Kentucky

James handles general matters throughout Kentucky. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Louisville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.