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

How long do asylum cases in Washington typically take?

Simple asylum 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 Tacoma?

James is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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 asylum clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James White, Asylum Attorney in Tacoma, Washington

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Asylum, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

MemberatSmith & White, PLLC

Tacoma, WA

Practicing asylum in Tacoma since 1997.

29+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 5 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Asylum Criminal Defense DUI/DWI General Immigration

Are you James White?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James White is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Asylum, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. James has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in: Tacoma, WA
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Asylum · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Asylum, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Tacoma, WA.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James White

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

Asylum cases in Tacoma, Washington

James takes asylum matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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 Tacoma, Washington

James takes criminal defense matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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 Tacoma, Washington

James takes dui/dwi matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.

General cases in Tacoma, Washington

James takes general matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.

Immigration cases in Tacoma, Washington

James takes immigration matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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 White — Over 29 years of Washington asylum experience

James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel. In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender. He was selected to serve as lead counsel for King County’s District Mental Health Court, where he became an impassioned advocate for mentally ill defendants. In 2004, James returned to the South Sound area to work on Tacoma and Pierce County criminal defense and gained valuable experience with immigration and asylum law.

After joining a private criminal defense firm in Seattle to learn the intricacies of DUI law, he and partner Derek Smith founded their own firm, Smith & White, PLLC. James engages in pro bono work and volunteer legal expertise for Centro Latino. He coaches youth sports, enjoys dancing and is a founding member of Broodcomb Games. He spends his days on Vashon with his two sons and their French bulldog, Charlemagne.

Past Employment Positions

King County District Court for the Mental Health Court, Counsel

Pro Bono Activities

Volunteer, Tacoma nonprofit organization Centro Latino

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

• Vashon Island Junior Basketball

Member Since: 2005

• Washington State Bar

Member Since: 1997

How James handles asylum matters

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for asylum, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

James White's legal education and bar admissions

Seattle University School of Law
J.D. · 1996
University of California - Berkeley
B.S. · 1991

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Washington
1997 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.S. in University of California - Berkeley.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.S. in University of California - Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James White

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Washington State Bar
membership

Locations

James White's office in Tacoma

James's primary office is at 717 Tacoma Avenue South, Suite C, Tacoma, WA, 98402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith & White, PLLC

717 Tacoma Avenue South, Suite C

Tacoma, WA 98402

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James White — 5.0/5 rating from 5 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 asylum attorneys in Tacoma.

5.0

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James White claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new asylum 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 asylum attorney in Tacoma, Washington

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every asylum 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 asylum practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James White

How much does it cost to hire James for a asylum 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 asylum attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do asylum cases in Washington typically take?
Simple asylum 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 Tacoma?
James is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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 asylum 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

Asylum attorneys serving Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

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

More counsel

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