James Patrick St. Clair, General Attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Medical Malpractice · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatShapiro, Washburn & Sharp
Virginia Beach, VA
Practicing general in Virginia Beach since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Patrick St. Clair?
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Quick answer
James Patrick St. Clair is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance · Medical Malpractice
- Handles General, Insurance, and Medical Malpractice matters from Virginia Beach, VA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Patrick St. Clair: James Patrick St. Clair is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Patrick St. Clair
James concentrates on general, insurance, and medical malpractice. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Insurance
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Medical Malpractice
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General cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
James takes general matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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.
Insurance cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
James takes insurance matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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.
Medical Malpractice cases in Virginia Beach, Virginia
James takes medical malpractice matters in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 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 Patrick St. Clair — Over 42 years of Virginia general experience
James Patrick St. Clair is an attorney based in Virginia Beach, VA. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Medical Malpractice. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Patrick St. Clair is a lawyer practicing insurance bad faith, fire loss claims, medical malpractice and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S.B.A. degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1982, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp in Virginia Beach, VA.
How James handles general matters
James Patrick St. Clair is a lawyer practicing insurance bad faith, fire loss claims, medical malpractice and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S.B.A. degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1982, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp in Virginia Beach, VA.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and medical malpractice matters in Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
James Patrick St. Clair's legal education and bar admissions
Creighton University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
Creighton University School of Law
B.S.B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1984 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S.B.A. in Creighton University School of Law.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Creighton University School of Law and B.S.B.A. in Creighton University School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Patrick St. Clair
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
Norfolk-Portsmouth and Virginia Beach Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Patrick St. Clair's office in Virginia Beach
James's primary office is at 4705 Columbus Street, Suite 304, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
4705 Columbus Street, Suite 304
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Patrick St. Clair — 4.5/5 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 general attorneys in Virginia Beach.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Patrick St. Clair claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Patrick St. Clair — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Virginia Beach, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Patrick St. Clair
How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple general 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 Virginia Beach?
James is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia 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 general 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
General attorneys serving Virginia Beach, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
James handles general matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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