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James Ostendorf

Family Attorney at Mansfield, MA

4.7   12 reviews
  • Licensed for 9 years
    State MA
    Acquired 2013
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Attorney James Ostendorf, founding attorney of Ostendorf Law Group, PLLC, practices family law, business law, and military law in Mansfield and throughout Eastern Massachusetts. After earning his law degree from Vermont Law School in 2013, he has amassed significant legal experience in and out of the courtroom. He is one of the only attorneys in Massachusetts admitted to all military courts. This, combined with extensive experience in veterans’ cases, makes him extremely qualified to handle matters related to military family law. Attorney Ostendorf has an Avvo Rating of 9.3 Superb and has been selected for inclusion on the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ lists of 2016 and 2018. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys.

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Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  12 customer reviews
5 Star
 
92%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
8%
Posted by Jocelyn Araujo | January 28, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HE WON FOR ME!!!
I must say he doesn’t respond often n but I was over paranoid because it’s a case over my children… BUT he won for me physical legal and sole custody and I’M ABLE TO LIVE IN FLORIDA!!!! I’ll give him a 5 star and just trust in him!!! Thank you again James
Posted by Matthew | February 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding professionalism
James is an outstanding attorney. He really goes above and beyond for his clients. I hired James and have retained him since for many years. I've always been leary of attorneys, yet James will really go out of his way to find you justice. Mr. Ostendorf saved this veterans life!
Posted by Barbara | August 6, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Demand Letter/Financial Support
Very professional and helpful. James was quickly attune to what service I needed. I left him in charge, and I was very pleased with the demand letter. He was sensitive, on target with the issue and very timely with the delivery.
Posted by anonymous | October 8, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Verified Review Avvo verified that the reviewer consulted or engaged this lawyer
Criminal Defense advice session
Wonderful attorney. Helpful and reassuring!
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Verified Review Avvo verified that the reviewer consulted or engaged this lawyer
Business advice session
excellent .. very informative.
Posted by Sirry | April 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Positively Assertive - Absolutely Outstanding!
Mr. Ostendorf I must say is just the right amount of assertive. He does not give up a good fight and he is extremely fair and reviews each case as a winner! I have been inspired by him, to refer to people who are positive, fighters, assertive, fair and with tremendous justice, as Positively Assertive. Others would say aggressive, but Mr. Ostendorf is a straight shooter, and he obviously loves his work. He fights to win. He is firm, no nonsense, relentless, and he does great deal of research, far more I found out than the other team. I came out of my case, as the definite winner and Mr. Ostendorf was simply outstanding. He is very eager to win to the greatest benefit of his/her client. He leaves no stone unturned.
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Posted by anonymous | March 31, 2015
Great representation!
I hired James Ostendorf to represent me for a possession charge in Ma. I was referred to him by the NRA. Attorney Ostendorf represented me with professionalism and a clear knowledge of the MA justice system. He was always responsive, clear and to the point. He was exactly the lawyer I needed. He also worked with me on payment and billing since I was also unemployed at the time as well. An awesome one of a kind attorney that cares for you from the heart. Even though I don't anticipate anymore issues, I am keeping him on retainer anyway.
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Posted by jlam1127 | March 18, 2015
Well versed in Employment Law
James was clear and concise with his message and ensured my understanding of the process regarding my question. Offered contact information in case follow up is needed.
Posted by David | March 3, 2015
Very Responsive
I retained Atty. Ostendorf to handle a license renewal application which stalled in a state office of license renewals. The matter was litigated on the district court level with a positive outcome.. Atty. Ostendorf worked tirelessly on my behalf with state and local officials, as well as with the court. I would recommend Atty. Ostendorf without reservation.
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Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Excellent!
James was up front and honest with my housing issue. He insisted on reviewing my case prior to arranging a consultation and payment of his services to see wether or not it would be worth spending money on lawyers fee's. He explained my situation to me clearly and promptly despite not having received any compensation. The fact that he wants to actually see if he can help before charging me speaks volumes about his personal integrity. A real gem amongst many who are just interested in collecting money from you rather than actually supporting their clients. James comes across as upfront, honest and seems genuinely concerned with actually helping his clients. Many other lawyers I tried to contact regarding my case were insistent on payment(often to the sum of 500) before even reviewing my case or options - and were even asking for payment of a retainer. What would be the point in hiring somebody who wants to charge you 500-1000USD for a disputed sum of 3700USD JUST to review your case and explain the legal dos/donts. Take this guy on if you need legal help! He is absolutely worth his weight in terms of what you pay. Honest, straightforward and approachable.
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Posted by Doreen | October 1, 2014
Professional
Mr. Ostendorf is very knowledgeable in the field my organization needed help in. He continues to assist us and a responsive and timely manner. We struggled through many lost days to figure our course of action and Mr. Ostendorf was able to point us in the right direction and make things move quickly. What took us months to attempt to accomplish, Mr Ostendorf was able to do in a matter of days.
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Posted by Morgan | July 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bad Experience
I trusted Mr. Ostendorf to represent me in a case in which I already had a settlement offer. I did not think the offer was appropriate, and after a face to face meeting with James he agreed, and was adamant they were only trying to get me to accept a low offer to go away. It was all downhill from there. He was very unresponsive throughout the whole process, does not answer his phone and ignored urgent emails from me. The last we spoke James was going to try and get as close to the targeted resolution that we agreed on. I have not heard from him since (4+ months) besides a letter mailed to me stating he is closing the case since he has tried to contact me several times without success. He has not reached out ONCE, and has ignored my attempts to communicate. This letter also stated I owed additional money to James as my retainer had been all used up, which was news to me. James was thoroughly disappointing in his efforts, as I looked to him to represent me, and he has come up very short. Not only did he close the case without ever speaking with me, after turning the case over to him he managed to lose my original settlement offer, and has documents of mine that I presented to him when we first met that have not been returned. Terrible experience, and poor performance by James. We had a preliminary review of everything so he had the opportunity to not take the case and he made the choice right there to litigate on my behalf. In my case he has left me hanging, and I am in a worse situation then when I hired him.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-350 per hour
  • Contingency 33%-40%
  • Pro bono 10 %
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • The Ostendorf Law Group, P.C.
  • 2018 - Present
  • Of Counsel
  • Dane Shulman Associates, LLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Public Arbitrator
  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
  • 2014 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Miller Law Group, P.C.
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Associate Attorney
  • Wistow, Sheehan, & Loveley PC
  • 2016 - 2017
  • Attorney
  • John Postl, P.C.
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Volunteer Attorney
  • Senior Partners For Justice
  • 2014 - 2014
  • Bar Clerkship (Judicial Extern)
  • Vermont Supreme Court
  • 2013 - 2013
  • Managing Partner
  • New England Law Group, P.C.
  • 2013 - 2015
View all work experience

Education

  • Vermont Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2013
  • Vermont Law School
  • Certificate
  • 2013
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • B.Phil with Honors
  • 2009

Associations

  • Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association
  • Member Board of Directors
  • 2017 - Present
  • Boston American Inn of Court
  • Attorney Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Vermont Bar Foundation
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Senior Partners for Justice
  • Attorney Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Boston Bar Association, Volunteer Lawyers Project
  • Attorney Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Justiserv
  • Advisory Board
  • 2014 - Present
  • Massachusetts Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Jewish Communities of Vermont
  • Board of Directors
  • 2013 - Present
  • Central Vermont American Inns of Court
  • Board of Directors
  • 2012 - Present
  • Joan Loring Wing American Inn of Court
  • Attorney Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Vermont Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • North Branch Nature Center
  • Board of Directors
  • 2012 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • American Sign Language
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2019
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2018
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Joan Loring Wing Fellowship
  • American Inns of Court
  • 2012
  • Board Fellow
  • Vermont Law School
  • 2012
  • Chancellor's Teaching Fellowship
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • 2008
  • MSI-REU Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh
  • National Science Foundation
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • B.Phil Dissertation Defense
  • Effects of Voter Identification and Provisional Balloting Laws on the American Electorate
  • 2009

Speaking Engagements

  • Flying Solo: How To Start & Manage Your Own Practice
  • Solo Practice
  • 2015
  • Sports Roundtable
  • Student Athletes and Graduate School
  • 2013
  • Political Roundtable
  • Help American Vote Act of 2002
  • 2009

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (4)
Endorse James
Family Attorney | Sep 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Attorney Ostendorf was a pleasure to deal with on a contested divorce. He was straight forward with me throughout the process and was easy to get in contact with when a problem arose. I would be happy to have him as opposing counsel in a future divorce, which I can't say about every attorney I've encountered."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 18
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have worked with Attorney Ostendorf both in law school and in private practice. He is a superb litigator, and a driven advocate for his clients. He brings a boundless energy to everything he works on, and is constantly on the lookout for ways to better serve those he represents."
Litigation Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Other
"I not only endorse this attorney, I give this attorney 5 stars! Well respected in the community and proven to be effective."
Business Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with James in federal court and have worked with him on several matters within the last year. Not only is James an ethical, diligent, and passionate advocate for his clients, but his business sense and top-notch negotiation skills make him a force to be reckoned with. I would recommend him without hesitation, whether you are a small business, non-profit, or a large corporation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly skilled and respected member of the legal community."
Family Attorney | Jun 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Business Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Business Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. James is an outstanding attorney. He's knowledgeable and dedicated to the client."
Business Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos"
Unknown Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I had the pleasure of working with and meeting James as an intern at the RI Attorney General's Office, and I have had the pleasure of consulting with Attorney Ostendorf on several matters since I became an attorney. His wealth of knowledge and simple approach to the discussion of the matters at hand places him ahead of many of his colleagues. I hope to continue my consulting work with him and would eventually consider a partnership or forming a firm with James as well."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. As evidenced by the number of questions Attorney Ostenorf has so generously answered, it’s clear that he has a superior understanding of his fields of practice, and is exceptionally well thought of in the legal community."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
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