James Patrick Zavell, Business Attorney in Troy, Michigan
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC
Troy, MI
Practicing business in Troy since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Patrick Zavell is a member based in Troy, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Troy, MI
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Troy, MI.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Patrick Zavell: James Patrick Zavell is a member based in Troy, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Troy
James concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Business cases in Troy, Michigan
James takes business matters in Troy, 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 Troy, Michigan
James takes estate planning matters in Troy, 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.
Probate cases in Troy, Michigan
James takes probate matters in Troy, 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.
Tax cases in Troy, Michigan
James takes tax matters in Troy, 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.
Trusts cases in Troy, Michigan
James takes trusts matters in Troy, 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
James Patrick Zavell, business attorney serving Troy
James Patrick Zavell is a member based in Troy, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Troy, Michigan and takes on business matters across the region.
James Patrick Zavell is a lawyer practicing estate planning law, tax law, probate law and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC in Troy, MI.
How James handles business matters
James Patrick Zavell is a lawyer practicing estate planning law, tax law, probate law and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC in Troy, MI.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Troy and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
New York University
LL.M. Taxation · 1994
Johns Hopkins University
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Michigan
1992 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE
James studied at LL.M. Taxation in New York University and B.A. in Johns Hopkins University.
Law school and academic background
James completed LL.M. Taxation in New York University and B.A. in Johns Hopkins 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
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Michigan (Member, Taxation Section and Probate and Estate Planning Section) Illinois State Bar Association
membership
Locations
James Patrick Zavell's office in Troy
James's primary office is at The Liberty Ctr., 100 W. Big Beaver, Ste. 140, Troy, MI, 48084. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Wakefield, Sutherland & Lubera, PLC
The Liberty Ctr., 100 W. Big Beaver, Ste. 140
Troy, MI 48084
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Patrick Zavell — 4.0/5 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 business attorneys in Troy.
4.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Patrick Zavell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Patrick Zavell — 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 Troy, 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 Patrick Zavell
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 Troy?
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 Troy, 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
Other top-rated business attorneys in Michigan
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Troy handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





