James Gradon Willard

James Gradon Willard, Probate Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratShutts & Bowen LLP

Orlando, FL

Practicing probate in Orlando since 1978.

48+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James Gradon Willard is a partner based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. James has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Orlando, FL
Experience
over 48 years
Known for
Probate · Real Estate · Trusts
  • Handles Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts matters from Orlando, FL.
  • Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James Gradon Willard: James Gradon Willard is a partner based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. James has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Probate cases in Orlando, Florida

James takes probate matters in Orlando, Florida. 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 Orlando, Florida

James takes real estate matters in Orlando, Florida. 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.

Trusts cases in Orlando, Florida

James takes trusts matters in Orlando, Florida. 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 Gradon Willard — probate lawyer in Orlando

James Gradon Willard is a partner based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. James has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. James Gradon Willard is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, real estate, real property. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. James practices at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Orlando, FL.

How James handles probate matters

Mr. James Gradon Willard is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, real estate, real property. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. James practices at Shutts & Bowen LLP in Orlando, FL.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate, real estate, and trusts matters in Orlando and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Duke University School of Law

    J.D. · 1978

  • University of Notre Dame

    B.B.A. Finance · 1975

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1978 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Duke University School of Law and B.B.A. Finance in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Duke University School of Law and B.B.A. Finance in University of Notre Dame. 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

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

  • Orange County and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar

    membership

Locations

James Gradon Willard's office in Orlando

James's primary office is at 300 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1600, Orlando, FL, 32801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shutts & Bowen LLP

300 South Orange Avenue, Suite 1600

Orlando, FL 32801

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Gradon Willard — 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 probate attorneys in Orlando.

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 Gradon Willard claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Gradon Willard — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new probate 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 probate attorney in Orlando, Florida

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every probate 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 probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Gradon Willard

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

  • How long do probate cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple probate 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 Orlando?

    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 probate 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

Probate attorneys serving Orlando, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

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