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James Olin Johnston, Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatJones Day

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing bankruptcy in Los Angeles since 1993.

33+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you James Olin Johnston?

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Quick answer

James Olin Johnston is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 33 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James Olin Johnston: James Olin Johnston is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, chapter 13, and chapter 7. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California

James takes bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.

Business cases in Los Angeles, California

James takes business matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.

Chapter 11 cases in Los Angeles, California

James takes chapter 11 matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.

Chapter 13 cases in Los Angeles, California

James takes chapter 13 matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.

Chapter 7 cases in Los Angeles, California

James takes chapter 7 matters in Los Angeles, California. 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 Olin Johnston — bankruptcy lawyer in Los Angeles

James Olin Johnston is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Jones Day. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James Olin Johnston is a lawyer practicing business restructuring & reorganization, bankruptcy / chapter 11, bankruptcy / chapter 13 and 1 other area of law. James received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. James practices at Jones Day in Los Angeles, CA.

James's approach to bankruptcy cases

James Olin Johnston is a lawyer practicing business restructuring & reorganization, bankruptcy / chapter 11, bankruptcy / chapter 13 and 1 other area of law. James received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. James practices at Jones Day in Los Angeles, CA.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Southern California

    J.D. · 1993

  • Stanford University

    A.B. University · 1990

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • California

    1993 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Southern California and A.B. University in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Southern California and A.B. University in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California 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 Olin Johnston's office in Los Angeles

James's primary office is at 555 South Flower Street, Fiftieth Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jones Day

555 South Flower Street, Fiftieth Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Olin Johnston — 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles.

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 Olin Johnston claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James Olin Johnston — 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 Los Angeles, California

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 Olin Johnston

  • 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 California 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 Los Angeles?

    James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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