
James Franklin Swartz III, General Attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on General and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews
PartneratThomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP
Allentown, PA
Practicing general in Allentown since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 7 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James Franklin Swartz III?
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Quick answer
James Franklin Swartz III is a partner based in Allentown, PA. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
- Based in
- Allentown, PA
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- General · Litigation
- Handles General and Litigation matters from Allentown, PA.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Franklin Swartz III: James Franklin Swartz III is a partner based in Allentown, PA. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Allentown
James concentrates on general and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Allentown, Pennsylvania
James takes general matters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 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 Allentown, Pennsylvania
James takes litigation matters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 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 Franklin Swartz III, general attorney serving Allentown
James Franklin Swartz III is a partner based in Allentown, PA. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. James has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews. James works from Allentown, Pennsylvania and takes on general matters across the region.
James Franklin Swartz III is a lawyer practicing general liability, litigation. James received a degree from Moravian College, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP in Allentown, PA.
Working with James on a general matter
James Franklin Swartz III is a lawyer practicing general liability, litigation. James received a degree from Moravian College, and has been licensed for 37 years. James practices at Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP in Allentown, PA.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and litigation matters in Allentown and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Bridgeport School of Law J.D.
—
Moravian College B.S.L
—
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania
1989 · ACTIVE
New Jersey Court of
1989 · ACTIVE
James studied at — in University of Bridgeport School of Law J.D. and — in Moravian College B.S.L.
Law school and academic background
James completed — in University of Bridgeport School of Law J.D. and — in Moravian College B.S.L. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Pennsylvania 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.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Associations & Memberships Bar Association of Lehigh County, Past President (2011) Pennsylvania Bar Association American Bar Association Executive Committee of the Donald E
membership
Wieand Barristers Inn Certified Civil Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
1999-2014) Former Assistant Coach of the Parkland Trojan Ice Hockey Team (2012-2013 · membership
Locations
James Franklin Swartz III's office in Allentown
James's primary office is at 1550 Pond Road, Suite 210, Allentown, PA, 18104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Thomas, Thomas & Hafer LLP
1550 Pond Road, Suite 210
Allentown, PA 18104
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Franklin Swartz III — 4.5/5 rating from 7 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 general attorneys in Allentown.
4.5
7 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Franklin Swartz III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Franklin Swartz III — 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 Allentown, Pennsylvania
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 Franklin Swartz III
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 Pennsylvania 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 Allentown?
James is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 Allentown, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
James handles general matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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