James Edward Phelan, Bankruptcy Attorney in Olathe, Kansas
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Dist. J.
Olathe, KS
Practicing bankruptcy in Olathe since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Edward Phelan?
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Quick answer
James Edward Phelan is a dist. j. based in Olathe, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Olathe, KS
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Litigation
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation matters from Olathe, KS.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Edward Phelan: James Edward Phelan is a dist. j. based in Olathe, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Olathe
James concentrates on bankruptcy, business, litigation, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Workers Comp
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Bankruptcy cases in Olathe, Kansas
James takes bankruptcy matters in Olathe, Kansas. 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.
Business cases in Olathe, Kansas
James takes business matters in Olathe, Kansas. 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 Olathe, Kansas
James takes litigation matters in Olathe, Kansas. 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.
Probate cases in Olathe, Kansas
James takes probate matters in Olathe, Kansas. 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.
Real Estate cases in Olathe, Kansas
James takes real estate matters in Olathe, Kansas. 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 Edward Phelan, bankruptcy attorney serving Olathe
James Edward Phelan is a dist. j. based in Olathe, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Litigation. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Olathe, Kansas and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
James Edward Phelan is a lawyer practicing commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices in Olathe, KS.
Working with James on a bankruptcy matter
James Edward Phelan is a lawyer practicing commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.B.A. degree from University of Iowa in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices in Olathe, KS.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and litigation matters in Olathe and the surrounding Kansas area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Kansas
J.D. · 1975
University of Iowa
B.B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Missouri
1984 · ACTIVE
Kansas
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Kansas and B.B.A. in University of Iowa.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Kansas and B.B.A. in University of Iowa. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Kansas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
James Edward Phelan's office in Olathe
James's primary office is at 150 W Santa Fe St, Olathe, KS, 66061-3272. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Edward Phelan — 4.4/5 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Olathe.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Edward Phelan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Edward Phelan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Olathe, Kansas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Edward Phelan
How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Kansas typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Olathe?
James is licensed in Kansas. Matters governed by Kansas 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Olathe, Overland Park and Wichita in Kansas
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout Kansas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Olathe handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





