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

How long do contracts cases in Texas typically take?

Simple contracts 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 Odessa?

James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 contracts clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James W. Essman, Contracts Attorney in Odessa, Texas

Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, Energy, and Insurance · 4.6/5 rating from 24 verified client reviews

PartneratShafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C.

Odessa, TX

Practicing contracts in Odessa since 1993.

33+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 24 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Contracts Energy Insurance Litigation Personal Injury Product Liability +3 more →

Are you James W. Essman?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James W. Essman is a partner based in Odessa, TX. The practice focuses on Contracts, Energy, and Insurance. James has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C.. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 client reviews.

Based in: Odessa, TX
Experience: over 33 years
Known for: Contracts · Energy · Insurance

Handles Contracts, Energy, and Insurance matters from Odessa, TX.
Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James W. Essman

James concentrates on contracts, energy, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Contracts cases in Odessa, Texas

James takes contracts matters in Odessa, Texas. 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.

Energy cases in Odessa, Texas

James takes energy matters in Odessa, Texas. 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 Odessa, Texas

James takes insurance matters in Odessa, Texas. 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 Odessa, Texas

James takes litigation matters in Odessa, Texas. 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.

Personal Injury cases in Odessa, Texas

James takes personal injury matters in Odessa, Texas. 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 W. Essman — Over 33 years of Texas contracts experience

James W. Essman practices at Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C.

Read Full Bio

How James handles contracts matters

James W. Essman practices at Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C. Read Full Bio

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, energy, and insurance matters in Odessa and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

James W. Essman's legal education and bar admissions

University of Tulsa
J.D. · 1993
University of Texas
B.A. Economics · 1991

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Texas U.S. Court of
1993 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Tulsa and B.A. Economics in University of Texas.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Tulsa and B.A. Economics in University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James W. Essman

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Midland and Ector County Bar Associations State Bar of Texas Midland County Young Lawyers Association Texas Association of Defense Counsel
membership

Locations

James W. Essman's office in Odessa

James's primary office is at Bank of America Building, 700 North Grant Street, Suite 201, Odessa, TX, 79761-1552. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shafer, Davis, O'Leary & Stoker, P.C.

Bank of America Building, 700 North Grant Street, Suite 201

Odessa, TX 79761-1552

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James W. Essman — 4.6/5 rating from 24 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 contracts attorneys in Odessa.

4.6

24 client reviews

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire James W. Essman — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new contracts 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 contracts attorney in Odessa, Texas

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every contracts 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 contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James W. Essman

How much does it cost to hire James for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do contracts cases in Texas typically take?
Simple contracts 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 Odessa?
James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 contracts 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

Contracts attorneys serving Odessa, Houston and Dallas in Texas

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

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these contracts attorneys in Odessa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.