James J. McGrath, Estate Planning Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
CounselatHarrison & Moberly, LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing estate planning in Indianapolis since 1967.
- 59+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James J. McGrath?
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Quick answer
James J. McGrath is a counsel based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison & Moberly, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 59 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and Probate matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James J. McGrath: James J. McGrath is a counsel based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison & Moberly, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on estate planning, general, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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General
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
James takes estate planning matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Indianapolis, Indiana
James takes general matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.
Probate cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
James takes probate matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.
Tax cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
James takes tax matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Indianapolis, Indiana
James takes trusts matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 J. McGrath — estate planning lawyer in Indianapolis
James J. McGrath is a counsel based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Probate. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harrison & Moberly, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James J. McGrath is a lawyer practicing general practice, estate planning, trust law and 2 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from LaSalle College in 1964, and has been licensed for 59 years. James practices at Harrison & Moberly, LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
Working with James on a estate planning matter
James J. McGrath is a lawyer practicing general practice, estate planning, trust law and 2 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from LaSalle College in 1964, and has been licensed for 59 years. James practices at Harrison & Moberly, LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and probate matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Villanova University
J.D. · 1967
LaSalle College
A.B. · 1964
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Indiana
1971 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1968 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1967 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Villanova University and A.B. in LaSalle College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Villanova University and A.B. in LaSalle College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Indiana 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.
Locations
James J. McGrath's office in Indianapolis
James's primary office is at 10 West Market Street, Suite 700, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Harrison & Moberly, LLP
10 West Market Street, Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James J. McGrath — 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 estate planning attorneys in Indianapolis.
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 J. McGrath claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James J. McGrath — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning 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 estate planning attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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 estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James J. McGrath
How much does it cost to hire James for a estate planning 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 estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple estate planning 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 Indianapolis?
James is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana 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 estate planning 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
Estate Planning attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
James handles estate planning matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





