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 New York 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 Buffalo?

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 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.

James T. Scime, Business Attorney in Buffalo

Quick answer

James T. Scime is an attorney based in Buffalo, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Litigation. James has over 50 years of legal experience.

Based in: Buffalo, NEW YORK
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Business · Class Action · Litigation

Handles Business, Class Action, and Litigation matters from Buffalo, NEW YORK.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2025).

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Buffalo

James concentrates on business, class action, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Buffalo, New York

James takes business matters in Buffalo, 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.

Class Action cases in Buffalo, New York

James takes class action matters in Buffalo, 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.

Litigation cases in Buffalo, New York

James takes litigation matters in Buffalo, 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.

Medical Malpractice cases in Buffalo, New York

James takes medical malpractice matters in Buffalo, 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.

Personal Injury cases in Buffalo, New York

James takes personal injury matters in Buffalo, 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

James T. Scime, business attorney serving Buffalo

James T. Scime is an attorney based in Buffalo, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business, Class Action, and Litigation. James has over 50 years of legal experience. James works from Buffalo, New York and takes on business matters across the region.

James T. Scime is widely recognized as one of the region’s most skilled and respected attorneys. He practices in the areas of personal injury, construction accidents, products liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accidents. He devotes the majority of his time to trial and litigation matters.

Mr. Scime is widely respected among his peers for his trial and negotiating skills. Many local attorneys refer matters to him when their clients have sustained serious injuries. Over the course of his career, Mr. Scime has helped thousands of people recover financial awards for injuries they have sustained.

Mr. Scime serves as a member of the firm’s Management Committee.

Speaking Engagements

Adjunct Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law

Practice Areas

Results

$25,000,000 A local driver who was severely injured when a liquid nitrogen tank he was delivering ruptured, received a structured settlement for his injuries
$21,000,000 A young girl who received a structured settlement for injuries she sustained in an automobile accident
$19,000,000 A young man who received a structured settlement for injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident
$10,000,000 A woman who received a structured settlement as a result of injuries she sustained in an automobile accident
$2,200,000 A 32-year-old construction worker whose case Mr. Scime tried and was awarded a verdict for nonsurgical back injuries he sustained when the scaffolding he was on collapsed
$1,600,000 An operating engineer who received for leg injuries he sustained when he was struck by a piece of steel during the repair of a bridge
$1,400,000 A Niagara County laborer who settled his claim for injuries to his back he received when he fell on a construction site
$1,000,000 A drywall worker who received an arbitration award for injuries to his knee resulting from a fall off dry wall stilts.

In the News

Reporters seek commentary from Mr. Scime on a range of personal injury topics. Click on the links below for recent examples.

“Product Liability Cases,” Buffalo Law Journal
“Personal Injury Attorneys Offer Personal Touch,” Buffalo Law Journal
“Car-Accident App a Sign of the Times,” Buffalo Law Journal

How James handles business matters

James T. Scime is widely recognized as one of the region’s most skilled and respected attorneys. He practices in the areas of personal injury, construction accidents, products liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accidents. He devotes the majority of his time to trial and litigation matters. Mr. Scime is widely respected among his peers for his trial and negotiating skills. Many local…

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, class action, and litigation matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Capital University
J.D. · 1976
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. · 1973

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

New York
1977 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1976 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Capital University and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Capital University and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo. 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.

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

James has received 34 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2015
Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo)
2012
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Construction Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Health Care Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America: Named to
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers: Among the Top 10 attorneys named to
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Upstate New York Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — . Named to
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top 10 every year since its inception in 2007
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Who’s Who in Law: Named to the final 2012 issue of
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business First/Buffalo Law Journal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ’s “Who’s Who in Law”
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Elite of Western New York: Named to
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Business First/Buffalo Law Journal‘
2026
Best Lawyers in America — s Legal Elite of Western New York
2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2017). Lawyer of the Year — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2015). Lawyer of the Year — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (Buffalo) (2012).

Locations

James T. Scime's office in Buffalo

James's primary office is at 42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120, Buffalo, New York, 14202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120

Buffalo, New York 14202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James T. Scime

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 T. Scime can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire James T. Scime — 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 Buffalo, New York

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 T. Scime

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 New York 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 Buffalo?
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 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.

Community Q&A

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

How Can I Protect My Company’s Intellectual Property In New York?
I own a tech startup in New York City, and I’m concerned about protecting my software and branding from competitors. I’ve heard about trademarks and patents but don’t know which ap
1 verified answer · Business · New York
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York

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

James T. Scime, Business Attorney in Buffalo, New York

Quick answer