James I. Stang, Bankruptcy Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Class Action, and Product Liability
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Los Angeles since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James I. Stang?
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Quick answer
James I. Stang is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Class Action, and Product Liability. James has over 46 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Class Action · Product Liability
- Handles Bankruptcy, Class Action, and Product Liability matters from Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Los Angeles) (2023).
About James I. Stang: James I. Stang is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Class Action, and Product Liability. James has over 46 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on bankruptcy, class action, and product liability. 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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Class Action
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Product Liability
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Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.
Class Action cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes class action matters in Los Angeles, California. 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.
Product Liability cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes product liability matters in Los Angeles, California. 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 I. Stang — bankruptcy lawyer in Los Angeles
James I. Stang is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Class Action, and Product Liability. James has over 46 years of legal experience.
Mr. Stang, a founding partner of the firm, has broad experience in bankruptcy reorganization. He has represented more than thirteen creditors' committees involving survivors of sexual abuse. Mr. Stang has lectured and written extensively on both bankruptcy and receivership issues. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and received his J.D. from Hastings College of Law, where he was editor in chief of Hastings International and Comparative Law Review. He holds an AV Peer Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell's highest recognition for ethical standards and legal ability; has been named "Super Lawyer" in the field of Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights every year since 2005 in a peer survey conducted by Law & Politics and the publishers of Los Angeles magazine, an honor bestowed on only 5% of Southern California attorneys; and was selected by Best Lawyers in America. In 2010, the Century City Bar Association named him "Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year" and in 2011 he was inducted as a fellow into the American College of Bankruptcy. Mr. Stang is admitted to practice in California.
How James handles bankruptcy matters
Mr. Stang, a founding partner of the firm, has broad experience in bankruptcy reorganization. He has represented more than thirteen creditors' committees involving survivors of sexual abuse. Mr. Stang has lectured and written extensively on both bankruptcy and receivership issues. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and received his J.D. from Hastings College of Law, where he was editor in chief of…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, class action, and product liability matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California Hastings College of the Law
J.D. · 1980
University of California Berkeley
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
California
1980 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of California Hastings College of the Law and B.A. in University of California Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of California Hastings College of the Law and B.A. in University of California Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 8 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Los Angeles)
2023
Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers: Recognized in 2005-2020 editions for Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Century City Bar Association: Named Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year in 2011
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (Los Angeles) (2023). Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).
Locations
James I. Stang's office in Los Angeles
James's primary office is at 10100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, California, 10100. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James I. Stang
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James I. Stang — 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 Los Angeles, California
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 I. Stang
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 California 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 Los Angeles?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
James handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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