
James Keighley Austin, Business Attorney in Savannah, Georgia
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Employment · 4.5/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews
MemberatEllis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP
Savannah, GA
Practicing business in Savannah since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 15 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Keighley Austin?
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Quick answer
James Keighley Austin is a member based in Savannah, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Employment. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
- Based in
- Savannah, GA
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Contracts · Employment
- Handles Business, Contracts, and Employment matters from Savannah, GA.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Keighley Austin: James Keighley Austin is a member based in Savannah, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Employment. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Keighley Austin
James concentrates on business, contracts, employment, estate litigation, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Contracts
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Employment
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Estate Litigation
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Estate Planning
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General
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M&A
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Business cases in Savannah, Georgia
James takes business matters in Savannah, 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.
Contracts cases in Savannah, Georgia
James takes contracts matters in Savannah, 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.
Employment cases in Savannah, Georgia
James takes employment matters in Savannah, 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.
Estate Litigation cases in Savannah, Georgia
James takes estate litigation matters in Savannah, 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.
Estate Planning cases in Savannah, Georgia
James takes estate planning matters in Savannah, 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
About James Keighley Austin — Over 35 years of Georgia business experience
James Keighley Austin is a member based in Savannah, GA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Employment. James has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.
Mr. James Keighley Austin is a lawyer practicing estates and probate law, commercial transactions, contracts and 10 other areas of law. James received a B.S.E.E. degree from Duke University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP in Savannah, GA.
Working with James on a business matter
Mr. James Keighley Austin is a lawyer practicing estates and probate law, commercial transactions, contracts and 10 other areas of law. James received a B.S.E.E. degree from Duke University in 1987, and has been licensed for 35 years. James practices at Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP in Savannah, GA.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and employment matters in Savannah and the surrounding Georgia area.
Credentials
James Keighley Austin's legal education and bar admissions
University of Georgia
J.D. · 1991
Duke University
B.S.E.E. · 1987
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Georgia
1991 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Georgia and B.S.E.E. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Georgia and B.S.E.E. in Duke 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Keighley Austin
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
State Bar of Georgia
membership
Locations
James Keighley Austin's office in Savannah
James's primary office is at 2 East Bryan Street, Tenth Floor, Savannah, GA, 31412. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP
2 East Bryan Street, Tenth Floor
Savannah, GA 31412
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Keighley Austin — 4.5/5 rating from 15 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 business attorneys in Savannah.
4.5
15 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Keighley Austin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Keighley Austin — 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 Savannah, Georgia
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 Keighley Austin
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 Georgia 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 Savannah?
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 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 Savannah, Atlanta and Marietta in Georgia
James handles business matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Georgia
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Savannah handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





