Jelani James

PRO

Jelani James

also known as Jelani D. James, Esq.

5.0
Rating: 7.5

Licensed for 11 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Silver Spring, MD
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death ... +3 more

1110 Bonifant Street, Suite 210-A, Silver Spring, MD

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Jelani

Biography

Zeal, attention to detail, and unique perspective on cutting-edge industry practices and trends.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Employment and Labor 55%

55%
Personal Injury 20%

20%
Wrongful Death 10%

10%
Car Accident 5%

5%
Slip and Fall Accident 5%

5%
Trucking Accident 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2022

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 1 year

State: New York

Acquired: 2025

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 1 year

State: California

Acquired: 2024

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 11 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2014

Active

No misconduct found

Location

JD James & Associates PC

1110 Bonifant Street, Suite 210-A, Silver Spring, MD, 20910

jdjamesassociates.com/

JD James & Associates PC

8407 Main Street, Ellicott City, MD, 21043

jdjamesassociates.com/

JD James & Associates PC

1900 L St NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC, 20036

jdjamesassociates.com/

JD James & Associates PC

515 South Flower Street, 18th floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071

jdjamesassociates.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jelani online.

Jelani James's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

50 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Lila | November 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Phenomenal Service!

Working with Jelani was a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. He was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and professional—always taking the time to clearly explain every step of the process and make sure I fully understood my options. What really stood out, though, was his human touc...h. He treated me like a person, not just a case, and balanced professionalism with genuine empathy and care. His guidance was steady and reassuring throughout a stressful situation, and I always felt like I had someone truly on my side. It’s rare to find a lawyer who combines such expertise with compassion and accessibility. I can’t recommend Jelani highly enough—he set the bar for what excellent legal service should look like!

Posted by Betty | October 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Highly Recommend!

Attorney JD James was very professional and thorough. His services helped my son avoid jail time for reckless endangerment and several ticket charges. He kept in constant communication with us throughout the process and he came up with a strategic plan early in the process. I would highly recommend A...ttorney JD James because he won't disappoint.

Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney

Criminal Fraud Representation

Attorney James is knowledgeable, attentive, and demonstrates an ability to take on challenging topics of the law without reservation. His work is not rushed and he is not fee focused. He has a keen ability to interpret large volumes of data and communicate the facts of the matter effectively to def...end his clients. If you are looking for a quality well rounded attorney choose Attorney James!

Posted by Anton | August 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great lawyer, for both criminal and entertainment

I recently had the pleasure of working with Jelani James, an extraordinary attorney who specializes in both criminal and entertainment law. Throughout my legal journey, Mr. James proved to be an exceptional advocate, demonstrating his expertise and dedication in both arenas. In my criminal case, J...elani James exhibited an impressive grasp of the law and a remarkable ability to navigate complex legal proceedings. From our initial consultation, he exhibited a high level of professionalism and empathy, taking the time to thoroughly understand the details of my case. His extensive knowledge of criminal law, coupled with his sharp analytical skills, allowed him to develop a strategic and effective defense strategy. Mr. James was always approachable and responsive, ensuring that I was well-informed and prepared at every step of the process. His attention to detail and meticulous preparation were evident during court appearances and negotiations. He displayed exceptional courtroom presence, confidently articulating our arguments and effectively countering the prosecution's case. Jelani's persuasive skills and ability to think on his feet were instrumental in achieving a favorable outcome for me. What truly sets Jelani James apart is his versatility as an attorney. Not only did he excel in criminal law, but he also demonstrated his proficiency in entertainment law when I sought his guidance in a separate matter. His expertise in this specialized field was evident as he navigated the intricacies of intellectual property and contract law, providing invaluable advice and ensuring my interests were protected. Throughout the entertainment law process, Jelani James showcased his exceptional negotiation skills. His ability to strike the delicate balance between assertiveness and diplomacy allowed him to secure favorable agreements on my behalf. He was meticulous in reviewing contracts, identifying potential pitfalls, and offering insightful recommendations to safeguard my professional and creative rights. In both my criminal and entertainment law cases, Jelani James demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity, and a genuine commitment to my best interests. His ability to comprehend complex legal matters and develop effective strategies is a testament to his exceptional legal acumen. Moreover, his compassionate and personable approach made working with him a truly positive experience. I wholeheartedly recommend Jelani James to anyone seeking legal representation in criminal or entertainment law. His expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to achieving favorable outcomes make him a standout attorney in his field. Whether you require a criminal defense or seek guidance in the entertainment industry, Jelani James is the lawyer you want by your side.

Posted by Tweeze | August 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Contracts & Agreements

Music Producer , Writer, Content creator

Jelani was able to help me navigate detailed contractual agreement with artist and producers and businesses. He also provided me with valuable insight to facilitate clear legal translation of my ideas and wishes . His vast experience and transparency allow for optimum communication with any other pa...rty involved . Wonderful overall experience I highly recommend

See All Client Reviews

Jelani James's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jelani
Sharon Tal Diamant headshot
Sharon Diamant

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. James is a kind and compassionate attorney. He is well-liked and well-connected. It is a pleasure working with him."

View All Endorsements
Sharon Tal Diamant headshot
Sharon Diamant

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.5 (Very Good)

Honors

2024

Client's Choice, Avvo

2023

Client's Choice, Avvo

2022

Client's Choice, Avvo

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney/Director, JD James & Associates, P.C.

Associations

2014 - 2022

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

Education

2013

The George Washington University Law School

JD

2010

Morehouse College

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Acting In The Industry Acting In The Industry

Publications

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution