James O'Neill, Bankruptcy Attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
Over 41 years of legal practice
Wilmington, DE
Practicing bankruptcy in Wilmington since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James O'Neill is an attorney based in Wilmington, DELAWARE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. James has over 41 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Wilmington, DELAWARE
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy
- Handles Bankruptcy matters from Wilmington, DELAWARE.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026).
About James O'Neill: James O'Neill is an attorney based in Wilmington, DELAWARE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. James has over 41 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Wilmington
James concentrates on bankruptcy. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy cases in Wilmington, Delaware
James takes bankruptcy matters in Wilmington, Delaware. 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
James O'Neill, bankruptcy attorney serving Wilmington
James O'Neill is an attorney based in Wilmington, DELAWARE. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy. James has over 41 years of legal experience. James works from Wilmington, Delaware and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Mr. O'Neill has extensive experience in all aspects of bankruptcy work, including representation of debtors, unsecured creditors, and creditors' committees in chapter 11 cases. Mr. O'Neill served on the panel of chapter 7 trustees for the districts of Delaware, New Jersey, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Neill is a former member of the board of directors of the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides pro bono legal services. He also assisted in the development of an alternative dispute resolution system for the Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Neill is a graduate of Georgetown University and received his J.D. from Villanova University Law School. He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
How James handles bankruptcy matters
Mr. O'Neill has extensive experience in all aspects of bankruptcy work, including representation of debtors, unsecured creditors, and creditors' committees in chapter 11 cases. Mr. O'Neill served on the panel of chapter 7 trustees for the districts of Delaware, New Jersey, and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Mr. O'Neill is a former member of the board of directors of the Consumer Bankruptcy…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy matters in Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Villanova University
J.D. · 1985
Georgetown University
B.S. · 1982
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Delaware
2001 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1985 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Villanova University and B.S. in Georgetown University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Villanova University and B.S. in Georgetown University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Delaware is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026).
Locations
James O'Neill's office in Wilmington
James's primary office is at 919 North Market Street, 17th Floor, Wilmington, Delaware, 19801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James O'Neill
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James O'Neill — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James O'Neill
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Delaware typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Wilmington?
James is licensed in Delaware. Matters governed by Delaware 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Wilmington, Dover and Newark in Delaware
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Delaware. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Delaware
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Wilmington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





