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

How long do consumer cases in New York typically take?

Simple consumer 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 New York?

James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 consumer clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

James Schiff, Consumer Attorney

Quick answer

James Schiff is a principal based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. James has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James A. Schiff.

Based in: New York, NY
Experience: over 23 years
Known for: Consumer · Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes

Handles Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes matters from New York, NY.
Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on consumer, criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Consumer cases in New York

James takes consumer matters in New York. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in New York

James takes criminal defense matters in New York. 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.

Drug Crimes cases in New York

James takes drug crimes matters in New York. 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.

DUI/DWI cases in New York

James takes dui/dwi matters in New York. 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.

DV Defense cases in New York

James takes dv defense matters in New York. 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 Schiff — consumer lawyer in New York

James Schiff is a principal based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Consumer, Criminal Defense, and Drug Crimes. James has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James A. Schiff.

James Schiff practices at Law Office of James A. Schiff

Read Full Bio

James's approach to consumer cases

James Schiff practices at Law Office of James A. Schiff Read Full Bio

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for consumer, criminal defense, and drug crimes matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
J.D. · 2001

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

New York United Stat
2003 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

James Schiff's office in New York

James's primary office is at 521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10175. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of James A. Schiff

521 Fifth Avenue, 17th Floor

New York, NY 10175

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Schiff

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with James Schiff can leave a review.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James Schiff — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new consumer 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 consumer attorney in New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every consumer 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 consumer practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Schiff

How much does it cost to hire James for a consumer 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 consumer attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do consumer cases in New York typically take?
Simple consumer 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 New York?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 consumer clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by consumer attorneys like James Schiff. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What should I do if a retailer sells me a counterfeit item in New York?
I recently bought a designer handbag online from a seller based in New York City, but it turned out to be a counterfeit. I paid $1,200 and feel cheated. I've attempted to contact t
1 verified answer · Consumer · New York
What to do if my credit report contains incorrect information in Illinois?
I recently checked my credit report and found a $2,500 debt listed that I don’t recognize. I live in Chicago, Illinois, and this is negatively impacting my credit score. I’ve tried
1 verified answer · Consumer · Illinois
What can I do if a company won't honor its warranty in California?
I bought a new refrigerator from a store in Los Angeles, California, which came with a two-year warranty. When it broke down after just six months, the company refused to fix it, c
1 verified answer · Consumer · California
What should I do if my bank won't remove a fraudulent charge in Oregon?
I live in Portland, Oregon, and just noticed a $200 charge on my bank statement that I didn’t make. I reported it, but the bank refuses to remove the charge, claiming it appears le
1 verified answer · Consumer · Oregon
Can a travel agency refuse to give me a refund in Washington?
I booked a vacation package through a travel agency in Seattle, Washington, but had to cancel due to a family emergency. They are refusing to provide me a refund, citing their poli
1 verified answer · Consumer · Washington
Can I be charged extra fees for paying my medical bill early in Florida?
I received a medical bill for $5,000 from a clinic in Miami, Florida, and I wanted to pay it off early. However, they informed me that there would be a 5% processing fee if I paid
1 verified answer · Consumer · Florida

Areas served

Consumer attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

James handles consumer matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified consumer attorneys in that community.

James Schiff, Consumer Attorney in New York

Quick answer