James Stuart Harkness, Business Attorney in Lisle, Illinois
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Construction, and Employment · 4.7/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Member
Lisle, IL
Practicing business in Lisle since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you James Stuart Harkness?
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Quick answer
James Stuart Harkness is a member based in Lisle, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Employment. James has over 30 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Lisle, IL
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Business · Construction · Employment
- Handles Business, Construction, and Employment matters from Lisle, IL.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Stuart Harkness: James Stuart Harkness is a member based in Lisle, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Employment. James has over 30 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on business, construction, employment, environmental, and insurance. 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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Construction
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Employment
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Environmental
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Business cases in Lisle, Illinois
James takes business matters in Lisle, Illinois. 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.
Construction cases in Lisle, Illinois
James takes construction matters in Lisle, Illinois. 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.
Employment cases in Lisle, Illinois
James takes employment matters in Lisle, Illinois. 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.
Environmental cases in Lisle, Illinois
James takes environmental matters in Lisle, Illinois. 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 Lisle, Illinois
James takes insurance matters in Lisle, Illinois. 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 Stuart Harkness — business lawyer in Lisle
James Stuart Harkness is a member based in Lisle, IL. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Employment. James has over 30 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Mr. James Stuart Harkness is a lawyer practicing banking law, commercial, corporate law and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1993, and has been licensed for 30 years. James practices in Lisle, IL.
James's approach to business cases
Mr. James Stuart Harkness is a lawyer practicing banking law, commercial, corporate law and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Valparaiso University in 1993, and has been licensed for 30 years. James practices in Lisle, IL.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and employment matters in Lisle and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Valparaiso University School of Law
J.D. · 1996
Valparaiso University
B.A. Political · 1993
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Indiana
2009 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1999 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1996 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.A. Political in Valparaiso University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Valparaiso University School of Law and B.A. Political in Valparaiso University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Illinois 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.
Locations
James Stuart Harkness's office in Lisle
James's primary office is at 1 Unknown, Lisle, IL, 60532-4306. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Stuart Harkness — 4.7/5 rating from 2 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 business attorneys in Lisle.
4.7
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Stuart Harkness claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Stuart Harkness — 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 Lisle, Illinois
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 Stuart Harkness
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 Illinois 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 Lisle?
James is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois 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 Lisle, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
James handles business matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Illinois
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Lisle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





