Peter Wethrell James

Peter Wethrell James, Business Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratBaker & Hostetler LLP

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing business in Los Angeles since 1968.

58+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
8
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Peter Wethrell James is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Peter has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker & Hostetler LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 58 years
Known for
Business · General · Litigation
  • Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Peter Wethrell James: Peter Wethrell James is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Peter has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker & Hostetler LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Peter's practice areas in Los Angeles

Peter concentrates on business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Peter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Los Angeles, California

Peter takes business matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.

General cases in Los Angeles, California

Peter takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California

Peter takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Peter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Peter Wethrell James, business attorney serving Los Angeles

Peter Wethrell James is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Peter has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Baker & Hostetler LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Peter works from Los Angeles, California and takes on business matters across the region.

Peter Wethrell James is a lawyer practicing business litigation, school equal protection litigation, litigation and 2 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1963, and has been licensed for 58 years. Peter practices at Baker & Hostetler LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

How Peter handles business matters

Peter Wethrell James is a lawyer practicing business litigation, school equal protection litigation, litigation and 2 other areas of law. Peter received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1963, and has been licensed for 58 years. Peter practices at Baker & Hostetler LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

Who Peter represents

Peter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Peter studied and practices

  • Yale University

    LL.B. · 1966

  • Stanford University

    B.A. · 1963

Jurisdictions

Peter's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1993 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1982 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • U.S, District Court,

    1970 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1968 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1968 · ACTIVE

Peter studied at LL.B. in Yale University and B.A. in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

Peter completed LL.B. in Yale University and B.A. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Peter runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Peter's legal honors and published work

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Peter's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Los Angeles County and American Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

Peter Wethrell James's office in Los Angeles

Peter's primary office is at 11601 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1400, Los Angeles, CA, 90025-0509. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Baker & Hostetler LLP

11601 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 1400

Los Angeles, CA 90025-0509

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Peter Wethrell James — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Peter. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Los Angeles.

5.0

1 client review

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire Peter Wethrell James — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Peter usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Peter charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter'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; Peter will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Los Angeles, California

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 Peter

Peter 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. Peter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Peter'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 Peter Wethrell James

  • How much does it cost to hire Peter for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Peter walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Peter offer a free consultation?

    Peter charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Peter's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Peter's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in California 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. Peter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Peter take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

    Peter is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Peter 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 Peter?

    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. Peter will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Peter accepting new business clients right now?

    Peter'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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

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

More counsel

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