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James Howard Ellis III, Business Attorney in Toledo, Ohio

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Criminal Defense · 4.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing business in Toledo since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James Howard Ellis III is a member based in Toledo, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Criminal Defense. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Toledo, OH
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Business · Contracts · Criminal Defense
  • Handles Business, Contracts, and Criminal Defense matters from Toledo, OH.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James Howard Ellis III: James Howard Ellis III is a member based in Toledo, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Criminal Defense. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Toledo

James concentrates on business, contracts, criminal defense, employment, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Toledo, Ohio

James takes business matters in Toledo, Ohio. 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.

Contracts cases in Toledo, Ohio

James takes contracts matters in Toledo, Ohio. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Toledo, Ohio

James takes criminal defense matters in Toledo, Ohio. 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.

Employment cases in Toledo, Ohio

James takes employment matters in Toledo, Ohio. 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 Toledo, Ohio

James takes litigation matters in Toledo, Ohio. 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 Howard Ellis III, business attorney serving Toledo

James Howard Ellis III is a member based in Toledo, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Criminal Defense. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Toledo, Ohio and takes on business matters across the region.

James Howard Ellis III is a lawyer practicing taxation, nonprofit corporations, litigation and 7 other areas of law. James received a degree from University of San Diego in 1986, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices at Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd in Toledo, OH and 1 other location.

James's approach to business cases

James Howard Ellis III is a lawyer practicing taxation, nonprofit corporations, litigation and 7 other areas of law. James received a degree from University of San Diego in 1986, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices at Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd in Toledo, OH and 1 other location.

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and criminal defense matters in Toledo and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • University of San Diego

    J.D. LL.M · 1981

  • University of San Diego

    LL.M University · 1986

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Ohio

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1981 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. LL.M in University of San Diego and LL.M University in University of San Diego.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. LL.M in University of San Diego and LL.M University in University of San Diego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Ohio 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

  • Toledo, San Diego County, Sandusky County, Ohio State and American Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

James Howard Ellis III's office in Toledo

James's primary office is at 1822 Cherry Street, Toledo, OH, 43608-2801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Arnold, Caruso, Green & Belazis, Ltd

1822 Cherry Street

Toledo, OH 43608-2801

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Howard Ellis III — 4.9/5 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 business attorneys in Toledo.

4.9

1 client review

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire James Howard Ellis III — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Toledo, Ohio

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 James

James 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. 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Howard Ellis III

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

  • How long do business cases in Ohio 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. 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 Toledo?

    James is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 business 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

Business attorneys serving Toledo, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio

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

More counsel

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