James M. Vonau, Esq., Business Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Probate · 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatDecker Vonau & Carr, LLC
Columbus, OH
Practicing business in Columbus since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James M. Vonau, Esq.?
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Quick answer
James M. Vonau, Esq. is a member based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Probate. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Decker Vonau & Carr, LLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Columbus, OH
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Probate
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Probate matters from Columbus, OH.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James M. Vonau, Esq.: James M. Vonau, Esq. is a member based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Probate. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Decker Vonau & Carr, LLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on business, elder law, probate, real estate, and trusts. 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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Elder Law
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning
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Business cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes business matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Elder Law cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes elder law matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Probate cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes probate matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Columbus, Ohio
James takes real estate matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Trusts cases in Columbus, Ohio
James takes trusts matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 M. Vonau, Esq. — business lawyer in Columbus
James M. Vonau, Esq. is a member based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Probate. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Decker Vonau & Carr, LLC. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Jim is a founding member of the law firm of Decker Vonau, LLC and he received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1978 and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1981. He joined Mark Decker's practice immediately upon receiving his license to practice law in 1981 to form a ""partnership"" that has lasted for more than 30 years. Jim's practice areas include estate planning and probate matters; business formation, operation, transactions, and other matters; and residential, commercial, and investment real estate matters. Jim is a member of both the Ohio and Columbus Bar Associations. He is a longtime member and former chair of the Probate Court Committee of the Columbus Bar Association. Jim has also served as the chair of the Small Firm/Solo Practitioner Committee of the Columbus Bar Association. He has served on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Columbus (Secretary) and its Professional Advisors Group and is also a longtime member, and has served as the president of, The Catholic Men's Luncheon Club. He is also an active member of the Real Property Committee of the Columbus Bar Association, the Columbus Estate Planning Group, the Worthington Estate Planning Council, Charity Newsies, Knights of Columbus, and various other civic and professional organizations. Jim co-authored The Elder Law Desk Reference, a manual published primarily for fellow attorneys by the Ohio State Bar Association. A frequent lecturer to both lay and professional audiences, Jim has received recognition from the Columbus Bar Association as an instructor in continuing legal education for fellow attorneys. A lifelong resident of the Columbus area, Jim resides in Gahanna with his wife, Beth. During his leisure time, he enjoys chasing around their grandchildren, golf and cheering on his beloved Buckeyes, Reds, and Bengals.
How James handles business matters
Jim is a founding member of the law firm of Decker Vonau, LLC and he received his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1978 and his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1981. He joined Mark Decker's practice immediately upon receiving his license to practice law in 1981 to form a ""partnership"" that has lasted for more than 30 years. Jim's practice…
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and probate matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Cincinnati
J.D. · 1981
The Ohio State University
B.A. · 1978
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Ohio
1981 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Cincinnati and B.A. in The Ohio State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Cincinnati and B.A. in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
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
Columbus, Ohio State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
James M. Vonau, Esq.'s office in Columbus
James's primary office is at 620 E. Broad Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH, 43215. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Decker Vonau & Carr, LLC
620 E. Broad Street, Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43215
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James M. Vonau, Esq. — 4.8/5 rating from 2 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 Columbus.
4.8
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James M. Vonau, Esq. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James M. Vonau, Esq. — 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 Columbus, Ohio
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 M. Vonau, Esq.
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 Ohio 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 Columbus?
James is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
James handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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