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James J Murray, Business Attorney in Petoskey, Michigan

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Government · 4.6/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

ShareholderatPlunkett Cooney

Petoskey, MI

Practicing business in Petoskey since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
4.6 ★
3 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James J Murray is a shareholder based in Petoskey, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Government. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Plunkett Cooney. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Petoskey, MI
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Business · Estate Planning · Government
  • Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Government matters from Petoskey, MI.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About James J Murray: James J Murray is a shareholder based in Petoskey, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Government. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Plunkett Cooney. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James J Murray

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

Business cases in Petoskey, Michigan

James takes business matters in Petoskey, Michigan. 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 Petoskey, Michigan

James takes estate planning matters in Petoskey, Michigan. 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.

Government cases in Petoskey, Michigan

James takes government matters in Petoskey, Michigan. 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 Petoskey, Michigan

James takes real estate matters in Petoskey, Michigan. 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

About James J Murray — Over 39 years of Michigan business experience

James J Murray is a shareholder based in Petoskey, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Government. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Plunkett Cooney. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

James J Murray is a lawyer practicing public corporation law, real property law, government law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at Plunkett Cooney in Petoskey, MI.

How James handles business matters

James J Murray is a lawyer practicing public corporation law, real property law, government law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices at Plunkett Cooney in Petoskey, MI.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and government matters in Petoskey and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

James J Murray's legal education and bar admissions

  • Detroit College of Law

    J.D. · 1987

  • Michigan State University

    B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Michigan

    1987 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.A. in Michigan State University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James J Murray

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Emmet-Charlevoix County (Former President, 1997) and American Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan

    membership

Locations

James J Murray's office in Petoskey

James's primary office is at 303 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI, 49770. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Plunkett Cooney

303 Howard Street

Petoskey, MI 49770

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James J Murray — 4.6/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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 Petoskey.

4.6

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James J Murray claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James J Murray — 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 Petoskey, Michigan

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 J Murray

  • 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 Michigan 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 Petoskey?

    James is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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 Petoskey, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

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

More counsel

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