
James Scott Pleasant, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Maritime, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatReed Smith LLP
Houston, TX
Practicing business in Houston since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Scott Pleasant?
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Quick answer
James Scott Pleasant is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Maritime, and Real Estate. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Business · Maritime · Real Estate
- Handles Business, Maritime, and Real Estate matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Scott Pleasant: James Scott Pleasant is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Maritime, and Real Estate. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Scott Pleasant
James concentrates on business, maritime, and real estate. 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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Maritime
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Houston, Texas
James takes business matters in Houston, Texas. 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.
Maritime cases in Houston, Texas
James takes maritime matters in Houston, Texas. 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.
Real Estate cases in Houston, Texas
James takes real estate matters in Houston, Texas. 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 Scott Pleasant — Over 54 years of Texas business experience
James Scott Pleasant is an of counsel based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Maritime, and Real Estate. James has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Reed Smith LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. James Scott Pleasant is a lawyer practicing real estate, corporate, maritime & aviation specialty practice group and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 54 years. James practices at Reed Smith LLP in Houston, TX.
Working with James on a business matter
Mr. James Scott Pleasant is a lawyer practicing real estate, corporate, maritime & aviation specialty practice group and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S. degree from Oregon State University in 1965, and has been licensed for 54 years. James practices at Reed Smith LLP in Houston, TX.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, maritime, and real estate matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
James Scott Pleasant's legal education and bar admissions
Willamette University
J.D. · 1972
Oregon State University
B.S. · 1965
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1973 · ACTIVE
Texas
1972 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Willamette University and B.S. in Oregon State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Willamette University and B.S. in Oregon State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Scott Pleasant
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
Dallas and American
Member, Partnerships and Unincorporated Business Organizations Committee Business Law Section) Bar Associations State Bar of Texas (Member, Partnership Law Committee of the Section on Business Law · membership
Locations
James Scott Pleasant's office in Houston
James's primary office is at 1221 McKinney Street, Suite 2100, Houston, TX, 77010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Scott Pleasant — 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 business attorneys in Houston.
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 Scott Pleasant claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Scott Pleasant — 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 Houston, Texas
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 Scott Pleasant
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 Texas 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 Houston?
James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
James handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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