James Otto Spence, ADR Attorney in Lexington, South Carolina
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Equity Ct. J.
Lexington South, SC
Practicing adr in Lexington since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you James Otto Spence?
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Quick answer
James Otto Spence is an equity ct. j. based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Environmental. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lexington, SC
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Environmental
- Handles ADR, Business, and Environmental matters from Lexington, SC.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Otto Spence: James Otto Spence is an equity ct. j. based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Environmental. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on adr, business, environmental, estate litigation, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Environmental
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Estate Litigation
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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ADR cases in Lexington, South Carolina
James takes adr matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Lexington, South Carolina
James takes business matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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.
Environmental cases in Lexington, South Carolina
James takes environmental matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Litigation cases in Lexington, South Carolina
James takes estate litigation matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Lexington, South Carolina
James takes litigation matters in Lexington, South Carolina. 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 Otto Spence — adr lawyer in Lexington
James Otto Spence is an equity ct. j. based in Lexington, SC. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Environmental. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Hon. James Otto Spence is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, real estate litigation, eminent domain and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Presbyterian College in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices in Lexington, SC.
James's approach to adr cases
Hon. James Otto Spence is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, real estate litigation, eminent domain and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Presbyterian College in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices in Lexington, SC.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and environmental matters in Lexington and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Presbyterian College
B.A. · 1981
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Supreme Court
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1989 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1984 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Presbyterian College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in Presbyterian College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in South Carolina 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 Otto Spence's office in Lexington
James's primary office is at 205 E Main St, Lexington, SC, 29072-3557. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Otto Spence — 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 adr attorneys in Lexington.
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 Otto Spence claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Otto Spence — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Lexington, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Otto Spence
How much does it cost to hire James for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple adr 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 Lexington?
James is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina 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 adr 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
ADR attorneys serving Lexington, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina
James handles adr matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in South Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Lexington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





