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

How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple general 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 Chicago?

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 general 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 A. Scheer, General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on General, IP, and Patent · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratHusch Blackwell LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing general in Chicago since 1978.

48+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General IP Patent Trademark Trade Secrets Copyright

Are you James A. Scheer?

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 A. Scheer is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, IP, and Patent. James has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Husch Blackwell LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: General · IP · Patent

Handles General, IP, and Patent matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on general, ip, patent, trademark, and trade secrets. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes general matters in Chicago, 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.

IP cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes ip matters in Chicago, 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.

Patent cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes patent matters in Chicago, 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.

Trademark cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes trademark matters in Chicago, 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.

Trade Secrets cases in Chicago, Illinois

James takes trade secrets matters in Chicago, 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 A. Scheer — general lawyer in Chicago

James A. Scheer is a lawyer practicing technology, manufacturing & transportation, intellectual property and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1969, and has been licensed for 48 years. James practices at Husch Blackwell LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with James on a general matter

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, ip, and patent matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Northern Illinois University College of Law
J.D. · 1978
University of Notre Dame
B.S. Engineering · 1969

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Illinois U.S. Patent
1978 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Northern Illinois University College of Law and B.S. Engineering in University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Northern Illinois University College of Law and B.S. Engineering in University of Notre Dame. 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.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Professional Associations and Memberships Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers •Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago
membership

Locations

James A. Scheer's office in Chicago

James's primary office is at 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL, 60606-3912. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Husch Blackwell LLP

120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200

Chicago, IL 60606-3912

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Scheer — 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 general attorneys in Chicago.

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 A. Scheer claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James A. Scheer — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general 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 general attorney in Chicago, Illinois

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James A. Scheer

How much does it cost to hire James for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple general 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 Chicago?
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 general 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

General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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