James S. Hill

James S. Hill, General Attorney in Bismarck, North Dakota

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratZuger Kirmis & Smith

Bismarck, ND

Practicing general in Bismarck since 1974.

52+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James S. Hill is a partner based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuger Kirmis & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Bismarck, ND
Experience
over 52 years
Known for
General · Insurance · Litigation
  • Handles General, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Bismarck, ND.
  • Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James S. Hill: James S. Hill is a partner based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuger Kirmis & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James S. Hill

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

General cases in Bismarck, North Dakota

James takes general matters in Bismarck, North Dakota. 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 Bismarck, North Dakota

James takes insurance matters in Bismarck, North Dakota. 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 Bismarck, North Dakota

James takes litigation matters in Bismarck, North Dakota. 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. Hill — Over 52 years of North Dakota general experience

James S. Hill is a partner based in Bismarck, ND. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuger Kirmis & Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

James S. Hill is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, professional malpractice defense law, trial practice and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of North Dakota in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Zuger Kirmis & Smith in Bismarck, ND.

James's approach to general cases

James S. Hill is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, professional malpractice defense law, trial practice and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of North Dakota in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Zuger Kirmis & Smith in Bismarck, ND.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and litigation matters in Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota area.

Credentials

James S. Hill's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of North Dakota

    J.D. · 1974

  • University of North Dakota

    B.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • North Dakota

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • Minnesota

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1974 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.A. in University of North Dakota.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of North Dakota and B.A. in University of North Dakota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in North Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James S. Hill

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

  • North Dakota Bar Foundation (Member, 1990—

    bar_fellowship

  • Board of Directors, 1990-1992 and 2008—)

    bar_fellowship

  • American Bar Foundation (Life Fellow)

    bar_fellowship

Locations

James S. Hill's office in Bismarck

James's primary office is at 316 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND, 58502-1695. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Zuger Kirmis & Smith

316 North Fifth Street

Bismarck, ND 58502-1695

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James S. Hill — 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 general attorneys in Bismarck.

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 S. Hill claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James S. Hill — 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 Bismarck, North Dakota

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 S. Hill

  • 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 North Dakota 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 Bismarck?

    James is licensed in North Dakota. Matters governed by North Dakota 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 Bismarck, Fargo and Grand Forks in North Dakota

James handles general matters throughout North Dakota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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