JJ

James J. McGinnis, Family Law Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Over 44 years of legal practice

Practicing family law in Atlanta since 1982.

44+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

James J. McGinnis is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony.

Based in
Atlanta, GEORGIA
Experience
over 44 years
Known for
Family Law
  • Handles Family Law matters from Atlanta, GEORGIA.
  • Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

About James J. McGinnis: James J. McGinnis is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Atlanta

James concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Atlanta, Georgia

James takes family law matters in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 J. McGinnis, family law attorney serving Atlanta

James J. McGinnis is an attorney based in Atlanta, GEORGIA. The practice focuses on Family Law. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony. James works from Atlanta, Georgia and takes on family law matters across the region.

James J. McGinnis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law.

James J., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James's approach to family law cases

James J. McGinnis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law. James J., who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • Mercer University

    J.D. · 1982

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Georgia, State Bar o

    1982 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Mercer University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Mercer University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Georgia 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.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).

Locations

James J. McGinnis's office in Atlanta

James's primary office is at 6425 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 197, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Warner Bates McGinnis & Anthony

6425 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 197

Atlanta, Georgia 30339

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James J. McGinnis

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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Hiring guide

How to hire James J. McGinnis — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law 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 family law attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law 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 family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James J. McGinnis

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

  • How long do family law cases in Georgia typically take?

    Simple family law 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 Atlanta?

    James is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia 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 family law 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

Family Law attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia

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

More counsel

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