
James Kerry Burgess, Appellate Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AssociateatROBERTS + MINK
Birmingham, AL
Practicing appellate in Birmingham since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Kerry Burgess?
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Quick answer
James Kerry Burgess is an associate based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. James has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at ROBERTS + MINK. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Birmingham, AL
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · General
- Handles Appellate, Business, and General matters from Birmingham, AL.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About James Kerry Burgess: James Kerry Burgess is an associate based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. James has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at ROBERTS + MINK. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Birmingham
James concentrates on appellate, business, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Product Liability
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Appellate cases in Birmingham, Alabama
James takes appellate matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Business cases in Birmingham, Alabama
James takes business matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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 Birmingham, Alabama
James takes general matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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.
Insurance cases in Birmingham, Alabama
James takes insurance matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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 Birmingham, Alabama
James takes litigation matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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 Kerry Burgess, appellate attorney serving Birmingham
James Kerry Burgess is an associate based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and General. James has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at ROBERTS + MINK. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Birmingham, Alabama and takes on appellate matters across the region.
J. Kerry Burgess is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Kerry received his secondary education at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, majoring in classical guitar performance. He earned his undergraduate degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (B.M. '94) majoring in classical music performance. He has performed in various venues in several states, studied with world renowned artists and he has placed in state and national competitions.
Kerry has extensive experience in human resources and managing business operations. Prior to attending law school, he worked for seven years as an executive manager of a major business in Birmingham in the hotel industry. Kerry also has experience in public speaking and teaching, including serving as an adjunct instructor at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Kerry attended Birmingham School of Law (J.D. '06). He won the award for Excellence in Negotiation and Counseling, the award for Outstanding Trial Advocate and was twice chosen by the Law School's Trial Advocacy Committee to compete in the National Trial Advocacy Mock Trial Competition.
Kerry's areas of practice include general insurance defense litigation, engineer and architect liability, business litigation, municipal liability, construction defense and products liability. Kerry is admitted to practice in all Alabama courts including the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He is an active member in numerous legal industry groups including the Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, Young Lawyers Division of the Alabama Bar, American Bar Association and the Defense Research Institute.
How James handles appellate matters
J. Kerry Burgess is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Kerry received his secondary education at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham, majoring in classical guitar performance. He earned his undergraduate degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (B.M. '94) majoring in classical music performance. He has performed in various venues in several states, studied with world renowned…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and general matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Birmingham School of Law
J.D. · 2006
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.M. · 1994
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Alabama U.S. Distric
2006 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Birmingham School of Law and B.M. in San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Birmingham School of Law and B.M. in San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Alabama 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.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
James Kerry Burgess's office in Birmingham
James's primary office is at 2700 Highway 280, Suite 410 East, Birmingham, AL, 35203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Kerry Burgess — 5.0/5 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 appellate attorneys in Birmingham.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Kerry Burgess claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Kerry Burgess — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Kerry Burgess
How much does it cost to hire James for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Birmingham?
James is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
James handles appellate matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





