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James S Brady, Criminal Defense Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Senior CounselatDykema

Grand Rapids, MI

Practicing criminal defense in Grand Rapids since 1969.

57+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
4 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

James S Brady is a senior counsel based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. James has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in
Grand Rapids, MI
Experience
over 57 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · General · Litigation
  • Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation matters from Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James S Brady: James S Brady is a senior counsel based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. James has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James S Brady

James concentrates on criminal defense, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

James takes criminal defense matters in Grand Rapids, 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.

General cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

James takes general matters in Grand Rapids, 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.

Litigation cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

James takes litigation matters in Grand Rapids, 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.

White Collar cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan

James takes white collar matters in Grand Rapids, 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

About James S Brady — Over 57 years of Michigan criminal defense experience

James S Brady is a senior counsel based in Grand Rapids, MI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Litigation. James has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dykema. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

James S Brady is a lawyer practicing white-collar criminal defense & internal investigations, litigation, criminal law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. James practices at Dykema in Grand Rapids, MI.

James's approach to criminal defense cases

James S Brady is a lawyer practicing white-collar criminal defense & internal investigations, litigation, criminal law and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Western Michigan University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. James practices at Dykema in Grand Rapids, MI.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and litigation matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

James S Brady's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Notre Dame

    J.D. · 1969

  • Western Michigan University

    B.S. · 1966

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Michigan U.S. Distri

    1969 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.S. in Western Michigan University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Notre Dame and B.S. in Western Michigan 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of James S Brady

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Michigan State Bar Foundation

    bar_fellowship

Locations

James S Brady's office in Grand Rapids

James's primary office is at 300 Ottawa Avenue N.W., Ste. 700, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dykema

300 Ottawa Avenue N.W., Ste. 700

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James S Brady — 5.0/5 rating from 4 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 criminal defense attorneys in Grand Rapids.

5.0

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James S Brady claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James S Brady — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense 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 criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James S Brady

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense 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 criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in Michigan typically take?

    Simple criminal defense 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 Grand Rapids?

    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 criminal defense 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

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan

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

More counsel

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