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 New York 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 Binghamton?

James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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.

James R. Franz, Business Attorney in Binghamton

Quick answer

James R. Franz is a partner based in Binghamton, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Health Care. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in: Binghamton, NY
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Business · Employment · Health Care

Handles Business, Employment, and Health Care matters from Binghamton, NY.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Binghamton

James concentrates on business, employment, health care, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Binghamton, New York

James takes business matters in Binghamton, New York. 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 Binghamton, New York

James takes employment matters in Binghamton, New York. 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.

Health Care cases in Binghamton, New York

James takes health care matters in Binghamton, New York. 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.

Securities cases in Binghamton, New York

James takes securities matters in Binghamton, New York. 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 R. Franz, business attorney serving Binghamton

James R. Franz is a partner based in Binghamton, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Health Care. James has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 8 client reviews. James works from Binghamton, New York and takes on business matters across the region.

James R. Franz is a member of Hinman, Howard & Kattell’s Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Health Care Law and Not for Profit Corporation and Foundation Practice Groups. He served as Chairman of the Firm’s Business and Corporate Law Practice Group for nearly twenty years.

A major component of Jim’s practice involves representing business and corporate clients with respect to all aspects of their business and personal legal needs. Jim has served as counsel to a wide range of businesses in various areas of commerce, including health care; energy; real property; manufacturing; retail sales; professional services; professional sports teams; natural resources; automotive, truck and bus sales and service; agriculture; hospitality; insurance; technology; nonprofit organizations; transportation; marketing; banks and financial institutions; and many others. For most of those clients, Jim serves in the role of lead or general counsel and is relied upon as an integral counselor, advocate and representative.

Jim has been able to blend his work in corporate, labor and health law with small town general practice. His law license has allowed him to assist his friends and neighbors with the challenges that they face in the course of their daily lives and he has always embraced opportunities to engage as a general practitioner serving the individual legal needs of the people of our community.

A native of Owego, Jim is very active in the local community. He serves or has served as an officer or director of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, Tioga County Rural Ministry, Owego Fire Department, Owego Little League, Hiawatha Soccer Association, Broome County Council on Alcoholism, the Binghamton Club, B. C. Jets Football Club, Baden Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America, BC United Soccer Association, the Tioga County Human Resources Roundtable, Binghamton University School of Management Advisory Board, Good Shepherd Communities Board of Advisors, and various local foundations. He has also served as a volunteer with the Cornell University Alumni Admissions Network, the Saint Patrick Church, Tioga County Boys & Girls Club and Tioga County Youth Soccer Association. Jim has been recognized for his community service efforts by the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, by his alma mater Owego Free Academy, and by the New York State Bar Association, among others.

James's approach to business cases

James R. Franz is a member of Hinman, Howard & Kattell’s Business and Corporate Law, Labor and Employment, Health Care Law and Not for Profit Corporation and Foundation Practice Groups. He served as Chairman of the Firm’s Business and Corporate Law Practice Group for nearly twenty years. A major component of Jim’s practice involves representing business and corporate clients with respect to all…

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and health care matters in Binghamton and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Villanova University School of Law
J.D. · 1981
Cornell University
B.S. New · 1977

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

United States Distri
1982 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1982 · ACTIVE
New York
1982 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and B.S. New in Cornell University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Villanova University School of Law and B.S. New in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York 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 R. Franz's office in Binghamton

James's primary office is at 700 Security Mutual Building, 80 Exchange Street, Binghamton, NY, 13902-5250. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP

700 Security Mutual Building, 80 Exchange Street

Binghamton, NY 13902-5250

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James R. Franz — 4.5/5 rating from 8 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 Binghamton.

4.5

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James R. Franz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James R. Franz — 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 Binghamton, New York

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 R. Franz

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 New York 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 Binghamton?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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.

Community Q&A

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What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
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Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Binghamton and Albany in New York

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

James R. Franz, Business Attorney in Binghamton, New York

Quick answer