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

How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?

Simple bankruptcy 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 Orange?

James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 bankruptcy clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

James P. Finerty, Bankruptcy Attorney in Orange

Quick answer

James P. Finerty is a partner based in Orange, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pfeifer And De La Mora Llp.

Based in: Orange, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Estate Litigation

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation matters from Orange, CA.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James P. Finerty

James concentrates on bankruptcy, business, estate litigation, estate planning, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Orange, California

James takes bankruptcy matters in Orange, California. 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 Orange, California

James takes business matters in Orange, California. 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 Orange, California

James takes estate litigation matters in Orange, California. 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 Orange, California

James takes estate planning matters in Orange, California. 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.

Federal Crimes cases in Orange, California

James takes federal crimes matters in Orange, California. 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 P. Finerty — Over 42 years of California bankruptcy experience

James P. Finerty is a partner based in Orange, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Estate Litigation. James has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pfeifer And De La Mora Llp.

James P. Finerty is a lawyer practicing business litigation, bankruptcy, rico and 4 other areas of law. James received a degree from Seattle University in 1969, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices at Pfeifer & de la Mora, LLP in Orange, CA.

How James handles bankruptcy matters

James P. Finerty is a lawyer practicing business litigation, bankruptcy, rico and 4 other areas of law. James received a degree from Seattle University in 1969, and has been licensed for 42 years. James practices at Pfeifer & de la Mora, LLP in Orange, CA.

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and estate litigation matters in Orange and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

James P. Finerty's legal education and bar admissions

Loyola Marymount University
J.D. · 1984
Seattle University
M.S.E.E. University · 1969

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1995 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Courts
1988 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and M.S.E.E. University in Seattle University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Loyola Marymount University and M.S.E.E. University in Seattle University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

James P. Finerty's office in Orange

James's primary office is at 765 The City Drive, Suite 380, Orange, CA, 92868. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Pfeifer And De La Mora Llp

765 The City Drive, Suite 380

Orange, CA 92868

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James P. Finerty

James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

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Hiring guide

How to hire James P. Finerty — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Orange, California

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James P. Finerty

How much does it cost to hire James for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Orange?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 bankruptcy clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like James P. Finerty. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Orange, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

James P. Finerty, Bankruptcy Attorney in Orange, California

Quick answer