James Irwin, Appellate Attorney in Meadville, Pennsylvania
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Family Law, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatShafer Law Firm
Meadville, PA
Practicing appellate in Meadville since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Irwin?
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Quick answer
James Irwin is a member based in Meadville, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and General. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shafer Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Meadville, PA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Family Law · General
- Handles Appellate, Family Law, and General matters from Meadville, PA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Irwin: James Irwin is a member based in Meadville, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and General. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shafer Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on appellate, family law, general, litigation, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Nursing Home
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in Meadville, Pennsylvania
James takes appellate matters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 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.
Family Law cases in Meadville, Pennsylvania
James takes family law matters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 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 Meadville, Pennsylvania
James takes general matters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 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.
Litigation cases in Meadville, Pennsylvania
James takes litigation matters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 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 Meadville, Pennsylvania
James takes medical malpractice matters in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 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 Irwin — appellate lawyer in Meadville
James Irwin is a member based in Meadville, PA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Family Law, and General. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shafer Law Firm. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Irwin is a lawyer practicing family law, trial practice, appellate practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. James practices at Shafer Law Firm in Meadville, PA.
How James handles appellate matters
James Irwin is a lawyer practicing family law, trial practice, appellate practice and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. James practices at Shafer Law Firm in Meadville, PA.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, family law, and general matters in Meadville and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Duquesne University
J.D. · 1977
Pennsylvania State University
B.A. · 1968
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1972 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Duquesne University and B.A. in Pennsylvania State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Duquesne University and B.A. in Pennsylvania State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Pennsylvania 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.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
James Irwin's office in Meadville
James's primary office is at 360 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA, 16335. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Irwin — 4.4/5 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 appellate attorneys in Meadville.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Irwin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Irwin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Meadville, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Irwin
How much does it cost to hire James for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Meadville?
James is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Meadville, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
James handles appellate matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Pennsylvania
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Meadville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Gary Green
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Michael Anthony O'Donnell
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