
James Herbert Bownas, Business Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratLane Alton
Columbus, OH
Practicing business in Columbus since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you James Herbert Bownas?
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Quick answer
James Herbert Bownas is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lane Alton. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbus, OH
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- Business · Contracts · Elder Law
- Handles Business, Contracts, and Elder Law matters from Columbus, OH.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Herbert Bownas: James Herbert Bownas is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lane Alton. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on business, contracts, elder law, estate planning, and general. 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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Contracts
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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General
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Business cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes business matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Contracts cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes contracts matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Elder Law cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes elder law matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Columbus, Ohio
James takes estate planning matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Columbus, Ohio
James takes general matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Herbert Bownas — business lawyer in Columbus
James Herbert Bownas is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lane Alton. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Herbert Bownas is a lawyer practicing corporate law, estate planning, federal income tax and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Xavier University in 1968, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Lane Alton in Columbus, OH.
How James handles business matters
James Herbert Bownas is a lawyer practicing corporate law, estate planning, federal income tax and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Xavier University in 1968, and has been licensed for 55 years. James practices at Lane Alton in Columbus, OH.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and elder law matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard University
J.D. · 1971
Xavier University
B.S. · 1968
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1974 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1972 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1971 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.S. in Xavier University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.S. in Xavier University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Ohio 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
Columbus (Member, Committees on: Business Tax Law, Real Estate Law, Estate and Gift Tax Subcommittee) Securities Law (Former Chair, 1998-1999), Ohio State (Member, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Section) and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Herbert Bownas's office in Columbus
James's primary office is at Suite 220, Two Miranova Place, Columbus, OH, 43215-7052. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Herbert Bownas — 4.9/5 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 business attorneys in Columbus.
4.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Herbert Bownas claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Herbert Bownas — 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 Columbus, Ohio
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 Herbert Bownas
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 Ohio 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 Columbus?
James is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
James handles business matters throughout Ohio. 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 Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





