James Robert Byrne, Bankruptcy Attorney in Hartford, Connecticut
Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer · 4.7/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
AttorneyatUpdike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
Hartford, CT
Practicing bankruptcy in Hartford since 1994.
- 32+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 16 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you James Robert Byrne?
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Quick answer
James Robert Byrne is an attorney based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. James has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
- Based in
- Hartford, CT
- Experience
- over 32 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Consumer
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer matters from Hartford, CT.
- Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Robert Byrne: James Robert Byrne is an attorney based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. James has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on bankruptcy, business, consumer, foreclosure, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Consumer
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Foreclosure
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General
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Litigation
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Tax Litigation
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Appellate
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Bankruptcy cases in Hartford, Connecticut
James takes bankruptcy matters in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 Hartford, Connecticut
James takes business matters in Hartford, Connecticut. 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.
Consumer cases in Hartford, Connecticut
James takes consumer matters in Hartford, Connecticut. 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.
Foreclosure cases in Hartford, Connecticut
James takes foreclosure matters in Hartford, Connecticut. 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.
General cases in Hartford, Connecticut
James takes general matters in Hartford, Connecticut. 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 Robert Byrne — bankruptcy lawyer in Hartford
James Robert Byrne is an attorney based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Consumer. James has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 16 client reviews.
James Robert Byrne is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, loan workouts, foreclosures and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. James practices at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. in Hartford, CT.
James's approach to bankruptcy cases
James Robert Byrne is a lawyer practicing commercial litigation, loan workouts, foreclosures and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1990, and has been licensed for 32 years. James practices at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. in Hartford, CT.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and consumer matters in Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Connecticut
J.D. · 1994
Boston University
B.A. · 1990
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2002 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1994 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Connecticut and B.A. in Boston University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Connecticut and B.A. in Boston University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Connecticut 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.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Hartford County and Connecticut Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James Robert Byrne's office in Hartford
James's primary office is at 225 Asylum St., 20th Fl., Hartford, CT, 06103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
225 Asylum St., 20th Fl.
Hartford, CT 06103
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Robert Byrne — 4.7/5 rating from 16 verified client reviews
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 Hartford.
4.7
16 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Robert Byrne claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Robert Byrne — 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 Hartford, Connecticut
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 Robert Byrne
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 Connecticut 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 Hartford?
James is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut 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 Hartford, Stamford and New Haven in Connecticut
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Connecticut. 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 Connecticut
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Hartford handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





