
James J Urban, Construction Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Government · 4.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
ShareholderatButzel Long, A Professional Corporation
Detroit, MI
Practicing construction in Detroit since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James J Urban?
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Quick answer
James J Urban is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Government. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Detroit, MI
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Construction · General · Government
- Handles Construction, General, and Government matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James J Urban: James J Urban is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Government. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Detroit
James concentrates on construction, general, government, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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General
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Government
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Real Estate
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Construction cases in Detroit, Michigan
James takes construction matters in Detroit, Michigan. 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.
General cases in Detroit, Michigan
James takes general matters in Detroit, Michigan. 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.
Government cases in Detroit, Michigan
James takes government matters in Detroit, Michigan. 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.
Real Estate cases in Detroit, Michigan
James takes real estate matters in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Urban, construction attorney serving Detroit
James J Urban is a shareholder based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Government. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. James works from Detroit, Michigan and takes on construction matters across the region.
James J Urban is a lawyer practicing construction, infrastructure & transportation, construction litigation and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. James practices at Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation in Detroit, MI and 1 other location.
How James handles construction matters
James J Urban is a lawyer practicing construction, infrastructure & transportation, construction litigation and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. James practices at Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation in Detroit, MI and 1 other location.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and government matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Thomas Cooley Law School
J.D. · 1982
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1982 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Thomas Cooley Law School and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Thomas Cooley Law School and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Michigan 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.
Locations
James J Urban's office in Detroit
James's primary office is at 150 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100, Detroit, MI, 48226-4450. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Butzel Long, A Professional Corporation
150 West Jefferson Avenue, Suite 100
Detroit, MI 48226-4450
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James J Urban — 4.4/5 rating from 3 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 construction attorneys in Detroit.
4.4
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James J Urban claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James J Urban — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction 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 construction attorney in Detroit, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction 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 construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction 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 construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James J Urban
How much does it cost to hire James for a construction 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 construction attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple construction 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 Detroit?
James is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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 construction 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
Construction attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
James handles construction matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated construction attorneys in Michigan
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





