About James
Biography
Attorney James C. Hopkins, founder of the James Hopkins Law Firm, is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over four decades of experience. Serving clients throughout New York State and in federal court, Mr. Hopkins focuses on serious criminal charges such as homicide, drug offenses, and embezzlement. A graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, he began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Onondaga County, where he developed his trial advocacy skills.
Renowned for his expertise in forensic DNA evidence, Mr. Hopkins has lectured on the subject at the university level and is adept at handling cases involving advanced prosecutorial tools. His dedication to client success has earned him recognition as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association and inclusion in the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys’ 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.
Mr. Hopkins is committed to providing personalized, high-quality defense strategies tailored to each client’s needs. He is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Bar Association and the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association. Clients rely on James Hopkins for his skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice.
James Hopkins has been a premier criminal defense attorney in Syracuse NY for over forty years
James Hopkins has been a tough, resourceful, innovative Criminal Defense Attorney for over forty years
James Hopkins is a former DWI prosecutor and is very experienced in DWI defense
When you need a tough resourceful advocate, call on James Hopkins
James Hopkins has been a premier criminal defense attorney in Syracuse NY for over forty years
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
11 years
11 years
11 years
11 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 46 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1979
No misconduct found
Location
Hopkins Law Firm
Fax
217 Montgomery Street, 12th Floor, Syracuse, NY, 13202
jameshopkinslawfirm.com/Gallery
James C. Hopkins's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
2 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Case Results
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2014
Best lawyer in town
My son was facing extremely serious criminal charges. I can't think of another lawyer who would have worked as hard, or been as successful in defending him. I owe Jim Hopkins a lifetime of gratitude.
Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2014
This is the guy you want. Period end of story. Whether it's personal injury or criminal matters.
At the end of the day it's results you're looking for when your life is on the line. People in the know use this guy. There are only a handful of guys that are superstars in Syracuse. Jim Hopkins is one of them.
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Experience
Honors
2026
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2024
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2023
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2022
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2021
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2017
Top 10 % in the USA, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
10 Best Lawyers - Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2017
Marquis Who's Who in America, Marquis Who's Who
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Defense, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
10 Best Lawyers - Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Criminal Law, National Trial Lawyers Association
Work Experience
1979 - Present
Owner, James Hopkins Law Firm
2015 - 2015
Panelist, Syracuse University College Of Law
1994 - 2005
Attorney, Citizen Review Board of Syracuse New York
1981 - 1987
Assistant District Attorney, Onondaga County District Attorney's Office
Associations
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Acquittal after jury trial
Acquittal after jury trial
Acquittal after jury trial
Exoneration
Education
1978
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2026
NY Criminal Law
2018
Forensic DNA
N/A
DWI Issues
N/A
Forensic DNA
N/A
Syracuse University College of Law
Publications
2026
Languages
English