Ryan Harrison James
also known as Ryan H. James
About Ryan
Biography
Since 2012, Ryan James has owned and operated James Law, LLC, a trial and appellate law firm, focused on criminal-defense matters, located in White Oak, Pennsylvania.
Ryan is a respected trial and appellate practitioner. His trial work has involved trying cases in both federal and state courts to judges and juries. He’s successfully defended everything from DUI, first-degree murder, and serious sex-assault cases in 20 different counties throughout Pennsylvania.
In his appellate practice, Ryan has briefed and argued more than 50 cases in the Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Some of his cases have set precedent in the areas of sentencing, post-conviction litigation, SORNA registration, property forfeiture, and juvenile-dependency proceedings. Ryan has also served as PCRA counsel in nearly 100 post-conviction matters.
In the area of criminal defense, Ryan has consistently been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyers’ Rising Star since 2018. In 2019, he sought a seat on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and was “Recommended” by the Allegheny County Bar Association as having “the legal ability, experience and temperament to excel as a judge” of that court.
Ryan is a member of the selective Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and he’s a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, where he's an elected member of the Judiciary Committee. Ryan is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, Michigan, the Supreme Court of the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the Eastern District of Michigan.
Ryan is a magna cum laude graduate of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he was a Managing Editor of the Law Review, and a cum laude graduate of Allegheny College.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 9 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 13 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
James Law, LLC
1200 Lincoln Way, Mckeesport, PA, 15131
James Law, LLC
157 Waterdam Road, Suite 240, Mcmurray, PA, 15317
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Ryan Harrison James's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
53 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Mike | June 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
1st time with the law
I was frightened. Due to an issue with PTSD from a car accident, I was arrested for brandishing a firearm at motorists. My charges were somewhat severe. 8 counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment. Felonies were involved. A young child was involved. Possible jail time. ...
Posted by Kenneth | January 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Outstanding performance
I was referred to Mr. James by a friend about 8 years ago and he’s been with me ever since! Mr. James has always had my best interest and success with my cases in the past. He is very understanding, intelligent, compassionate, while simultaneously displaying professionalism & fidelity. Mr. James is a...
Posted by Andrew | August 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Juvenile
Juvenile Case
My wife and I hired Mr. James to represent our juvenile son in a very serious case. Mr. James returned our initial call within a few hours and set up a consultation for that same week. He was completely honest about what the potential outcomes could be and really helped to alleviate some of our wor...
Posted by Nikki | April 01, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Nikki McDonnell
Mr. James is an exceptional lawyer. He was very understanding and supportive of our families situation. He was willing to talk with us at anytime. He always asked me what was on my mind so that could help him see outside of his box. He was professional at all times and very confident. I believe in ...
Posted by Becky | March 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY
I am very well please with Ryan James! He was my sons attorney. As I stood behind my son in this night mare. He was there for my son and me every step of the way. He answered our questions and held nothing back. We knew what was going on every step of the way. I would recommend him to anyone who is...
Ryan Harrison James's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Ryan really cares about his clients and goes to great lengths to make sure their rights are observed. I know Ryan to carefully analyze every aspect of a case and to research and craft sometimes novel legal arguments to ensure that his clients achieve successful outcomes."
"I endorse Ryan, he is an excellent attorney and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Ryan James. He is prepared, intelligent and well spoken. I recommend him for all types of criminal defense cases."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan is a terrific attorney with a stellar reputation in Allegheny County. A rising star in the Pittsburgh legal community."
"Ryan James quickly has become one of the best young lawyers in Pittsburgh in criminal appellate work."
"I have been fortunate to watch Attorney James in action, before the judges of Allegheny County. Each time, he has been prepared and persuasive in representing his clients' interests. When my clients call me about a criminal matter, I feel confident in connecting them with Attorney James."
"Attorney Ryan James is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer who fights hard to obtain justice for his clients. Having seen him in action in both Magisterial District Courts and the Court of Common Pleas, Ryan is both articulate and well-prepared. Having handled cases against him as a former prosecutor, he does not take the easy way out, as he thoroughly examines the Commonwealth's evidence to prepare the best possible defense for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to others."
"Honest and Hard working. I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney James is hard working, professional, and effective"
"I endorse this lawyer. Ryan is an excellent criminal defense lawyer."
"He is a strong advocate for his client. He is very prepared, professional, and knowledgeable."
"I highly endorse Attorney Ryan James without any reservations and would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney. He cares for his clients and is able to produce results. He has a great work ethic and knowledge of the law. He understands the client's needs and exceeds their expectations. I strongly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan is my go-to attorney in Pennsylvania. I always refer potential clients to him because I know that he will listen to that potential client's needs and do anything and everything he can to help. Ryan is compassionate, intelligent, and thorough."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. James is a very passionate attorney and always puts his client's needs first."
"Attorney James is a passionate and caring attorney who will fight for his client's rights."
"I have read many of Ryan's answers here at Avvo and have worked with him on client matters. He is very careful in his analysis, making sure he understands the facts and his opinions are well considered. These are the characteristics of a fine lawyer. I strongly endorse this lawyer and would not hesitate to refer legal matters to him in his area of expertise."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2021
Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, SuperLawyers
2020
Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers
2018
Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Readers' Choice: Best Attorney-Silver Award Recipient, Trib Total Media
2014
Readers' Choice: Best Attorney-Gold Award Recipient, The Daily News
2013
Pittsburgh's 50 Finest, Whirl Magazine/CFF (Western Pa)
2011
President's Achievement Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2011
Earl Dayton Award, Cooley Grade Appeals Board
2011
Fitzgerald Award, Cooley Student Bar Association
2011
John D. Voelker Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
2011
Distinguished Student Award, Cooley Alumni Association
Work Experience
2018 - 2022
Solicitor, East McKeesport Zoning Hearing Board
2014 - 2014
Solicitor, Borough of White Oak
2011 - 2012
Attorney, Law Offices of Patricia L. McGrail, LLC
2011 - 2011
Intern to Justice Diane M. Hathaway, Michigan Supreme Court
2010 - 2010
Law Clerk, Ryan, Podein & Postema, PC
2010 - 2010
Student Attorney, The Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office
2005 - 2005
Intern to Michael Hausfeld, Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, PLLC
Associations
2023 - Present
Allegheny County Bar Association, Judiciary CommitMember
2022 - Present
Local Rules Advisory Committee (PAWD)Member
2017 - Present
State Bar of Michigan
2012 - Present
Allegheny County Bar Association
2021 - 2023
Allegheny Lawyers Initiative for JusticeBoard Member
2020 - 2022
Westmoreland County Bar AssociationAssociate Member
2018 - 2019
Center for Plain LanguageBoard Member
2016 - 2017
Allegheny County Bar Association, Sole and Small Firm Practitioners SectionVice Chair
2015 - 2016
Allegheny County Bar Association, Sole and Small Firm Practitioners SectionSecretary/Treasurer
2014 - 2016
ACBA: Planning Ahead CommitteeMember
2014 - 2015
ACBA: Membership CommitteeMember
2013 - 2015
Allegheny County Bar Association, Sole and Small Firm Practitioners Section3-Year Council
2012 - 2013
Pennsylvania Bar Association
2012 - 2013
Pittsburgh Young ProfessionalsPast Board Member
2012 - 2012
White Oak Business and Professional AssociationProgramming Committee, Chairman
Sample of Legal Cases
Plea to lesser M2 charge for probation
Transferred to Juvenile Court
New trial
Suppressed all evidence
Split verdict: Not guilty of one 924(c) count; guilty on remaining counts
Vacated and Remanded
Not Guilty: First-Degree Murder and Attempted Murder; Guilty of Third-Degree Murder
Reversed and remanded
100 days imprisonment
Vacated; Affirmed
Reversed
Guilty; Favorable jury finding to negate 15-year mandatory minimum
Vacated and remanded
Charges dismissed
Evidence suppressed.
No-contest plea to lesser offense of
Evidence suppressed
Evidence suppressed
Removal from Megan's Law registry
Evidence suppressed
Vacated/Remanded
Not Guilty (All Counts)
Evidence suppressed; case dismissed
Not Guilty (All Counts)
New Trial; Nolle Prossed
Affirmed
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Vacated/Remanded
Dismissed
Dismissed
Not Guilty (Indecent Assault)
Not Guilty (Aggravated Assault); Guilty (Simple Assault)
Not Guilty (3 counts)l Guilty (1 count)
Sentence vacated and remanded.
$70,000 verdict for Plaintiffs
Charges dismissed
Not Guilty
Evidence suppressed; case dismissed
Not Guilty
Evidence suppressed; case dismissed
New Trial
Dismissed
Reversed and remanded
Dismissed
Vacated/Remanded
New trial
Education
2011
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Winding Down Your Solo Practice
2014
The legal implications of turning 18 in Pennsylvania
Publications
2025
2024
2012
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can I be charged for the same crime twice in different counties in Pennsylvania?
29 Aug 2022
What is the difference between Reconsideration, ReArgument and Petition for Review in Superior Court/Appellate procedures in PA?
12 Jul 2018
Possible outcomes If I get good defense attorney?
20 May 2018