James F. Early, General Attorney in Edwardsville, Illinois
Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on General and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatGori Law Firm
Edwardsville, IL
Practicing general in Edwardsville since 1971.
- 55+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 7
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James F. Early?
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Quick answer
James F. Early is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on General and Personal Injury. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gori Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Edwardsville, IL
- Experience
- over 55 years
- Known for
- General · Personal Injury
- Handles General and Personal Injury matters from Edwardsville, IL.
- Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James F. Early: James F. Early is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on General and Personal Injury. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gori Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Edwardsville
James concentrates on general and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
James takes general matters in Edwardsville, 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.
Personal Injury cases in Edwardsville, Illinois
James takes personal injury matters in Edwardsville, 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
James F. Early, general attorney serving Edwardsville
James F. Early is an of counsel based in Edwardsville, IL. The practice focuses on General and Personal Injury. James has over 55 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Gori Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Edwardsville, Illinois and takes on general matters across the region.
James F. Early graduated from Harvard College and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law. Focusing his practice on representing asbestos victims, Mr. Early has successfully represented thousands of workers who contracted diseases from occupational exposure to asbestos. The State Courts of Connecticut appointed him as lead counsel for plaintiffs filing lawsuits for asbestos diseases and for poisoning due to lead paint.
Mr. Early has been recognized by two of the best lawyer rating systems in the U.S. He has been selected for inclusion in the oldest lawyer rating publication, Best Lawyers. He has also been named "Super Lawyer" by the Super Lawyers rating service in recognition of his professional achievement and the high degree of peer recognition that he has earned throughout his career. No more than 5 percent of the lawyers in any given state are awarded this prestigious designation.
Mr. Early is a member of the Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and New Haven County Bar Associations; the American Association for Justice; and the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association.
Honors and Awards
Featured in Best Lawyers
Named "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers Rating Service
Professional Associations and Memberships
Connecticut Bar Association, Member
New York Bar Association, Member
New Hampshire Bar Association, Member
New Haven County Bar Association, Member
The American Association for Justice, Member
The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Member
James's approach to general cases
James F. Early graduated from Harvard College and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law. Focusing his practice on representing asbestos victims, Mr. Early has successfully represented thousands of workers who contracted diseases from occupational exposure to asbestos. The State Courts of Connecticut appointed him as lead counsel for plaintiffs filing lawsuits for asbestos…
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and personal injury matters in Edwardsville and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Boston University School of Law
J.D. · 1971
Harvard College
A.B. · 1968
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Rhode Island
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1977 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1973 · ACTIVE
New Hampshire
1971 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Boston University School of Law and A.B. in Harvard College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Boston University School of Law and A.B. in Harvard College. 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
James's legal honors and published work
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
Connecticut Bar Association, Member New York Bar Association, Member New Hampshire Bar Association, Member New Haven County Bar Association, Member The American Association for Justice, Member The Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association, Member
membership
Locations
James F. Early's office in Edwardsville
James's primary office is at 156 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL, 62025. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James F. Early — 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 Edwardsville.
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 F. Early claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James F. Early — 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 Edwardsville, 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 F. Early
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 Edwardsville?
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 Edwardsville, Chicago and Springfield 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
Other top-rated general attorneys in Illinois
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Edwardsville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
