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James Blount Griffin

Estate planning Attorney at Birmingham, AL

5.0   6 reviews
  • State Years
    Alabama - AL 12 years
    Georgia - GA 21 years
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State AL
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Occupational License - Authorized to Practice No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 21 years
    State GA
    Acquired 2001
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

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

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    40%
    Wills, estate planning, powers of attorney, trusts, healthcare proxies, elder law.

  2. Probate
    35%
    Probating wills, administering estates, obtaining guardianships and conservatorships, adoptions, name changes.

  3. Real estate
    15%
    Deeds, leases, title and mortgage issues, nuisances, easements, annexations, investments, environmental problems.

  4. Commercial real estate
    5%

  5. Environmental and natural resources
    5%

ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE, AND PROPERTY LAW- "PREVENTIVE MEDICINE" TO PREVENT FAMILY FEUDS.

I take care of my clients' property and estates- from estate planning to real estate investments.  Estate planning is "preventive medicine" against family feuds.  Estate administration is something that must be done when someone dies, and you want someone who can keep a bad situation from getting worse.  Real estate is where many of us put much of our wealth, and the hazards of buying, selling, and managing real estate are challenging.

 

I have offices in Birmingham and Atlanta.  I sometimes meet people in homes and hospitals who suffer from ill health.

 

My father has turned 90 years old and lives with me.  I am guardian for a disabled brother who lives in an assisted-living facility.  I also served as administrator for late mother's affairs.

Photos and videos

James B. Griffin in his Atlanta office discussing what his firm is all about.
James B. Griffin discussing what estate planning is.
James B. Griffin on Fox 6 LawCall in Birmingham, March 22, 2015
Shari Reeves discusses her predicament and the help she received through the Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program.
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Contact James

James B. Griffin, LLC
6 Office Park Circle, Suite 100
Birmingham, AL, 35223
James B. Griffin, LLC
3355 Lenox Road, Suite 750
Atlanta, GA, 30326
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Debbie | December 30, 2014
Mr. Griffin is a very professional and personable attorney.
I worked with Mr. Griffin on several occasions in cases related to my job, which includes enforcement of environmental regulations. He is very intelligent and articulate, and takes the time to explain legal processes and language in layman's terms.
Posted by Nonya | July 20, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Living trust for personal property/ real estate
I live in Arizona but own 2 properties in Alabama and I wanted to ensure my properties were secured if anything were to happen to me. An internet search led me to Mr. James Griffin and I am very pleased with the services I received. Mr. Griffin explained the different options I could pursue regarding my real estate and advised the pros and cons of each. My choice was the living trust and Mr. Griffin took care of everything and kept me informed every step of the way. He filed the deeds correctly and promptly upon completion of my living trust. Not only was he professional but he was very compassionate to my situation as my beneficiaries are disabled and I wanted to ensure they were taken care of in the event of my passing. I would definitely call him again as his services were superb!
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Posted by Ellen | July 11, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Plan
We needed an attorney to help us with our estate plan that includes real estate. Mr Griffin is very knowledgeable about real estate planning and his communication skills helped us understand difficult legal wording. He made the experience easy and painless for us. I would recommend Mr. Griffin if you are needing an attorney to help with Estate Planning especially if you have real estate.
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Posted by Evens | February 11, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Attorney!
I found Mr. Griffin on a google search. I was impressed with his reviews and he did not disappoint! I recommend his services to everyone.
Posted by Sandra | August 7, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very Highly Recommended!
OMG! This guy was the most helpful, straight forward attorney I have found! Called earlier this morning and recieved a call pretty quickly. I've been looking, calling, emailing lawyers for over a month now... with this guy's knowledge and expertise, I highly recommend him... his staff was very pleasant answering and assisting me when I called as well.
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Posted by Danica | December 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr. Griffin is an Effective and Caring Estate Attorney
Mr. Griffin graciously took on my case, when my father passed away in Birmingham and I needed assistance in receiving a fair share of my inheritance from his estate. Mr. Griffin was an excellent liaison, between me and my stepmother’s financially-aggressive estate attorney. Mr. Griffin reviewed and handled all of my legal documents in a timely manner, explained Alabama’s legal guidelines in simple terms, and was extremely knowledgeable, kind, patient and thorough. As a North Carolina resident, I had many legal concerns and questions. Mr. Griffin communicated efficiently and responded quickly to all of my inquiries, via email and phone calls. Throughout the entire 9-month process of my case, Mr. Griffin kept me informed on any changes, and gave clear instructions on documents that I needed to sign. Mr. Griffin was very understanding with my limited budget for legal expenditures, and was very accommodating. He was extremely honest and his billing methods were clear. He ensured transparency in his financial procedures, and requested my approval before committing to any transactions. Mr. Griffin is a man of integrity, and I trust him completely. My case has resulted in a fair, favorable settlement and I am very pleased with the outcome — especially since Mr. Griffin ensured that I would not have to travel to Alabama, to attend probate court hearings. Best of all, Mr. Griffin is a true Southern gentleman at heart. His utmost priority is his family values, and his firm belief that people ought to be treated well. His manners are impeccable and it has been a pleasure to work with him. I highly recommend Mr. Griffin, as the perfect attorney for your estate planning needs.
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Response from James Griffin December 27, 2016
Many thanks! JBG
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • James B. Griffin, LLC
  • 2014 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Bishop Colvin Johnson & Kent, LLC
  • 2011 - 2014
  • Attorney
  • Law Offices of Wm. Thomas Craig
  • 2002 - 2011
  • Attorney
  • Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP
  • 2001 - 2002
View all work experience

Education

  • Vanderbilt University Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • University of Alabama
  • MA - Masters
  • 1990
  • Gordon College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1984

Legal Cases

  • Bd. of Zoning Adjustment of City of Trussville v. Tacala, ___ So.3d ___ (Ala.Civ.App. 2013)
  • Summary judgment reversed
  • East Georgia Land and Development Co., LLC v. Baker et al., 690 S.E.2d 145 (Ga. 2010).
  • Supreme Court allowed probate judge to verify

Associations

  • State Bar of Georgia, Environmental Law Section
  • Chairman
  • 2010 - 2011

Languages Spoken

  • English

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Jefferson County School Administrators' Winter Dinner"
  • "Understanding Alabama's Revised Code of Ethics"
  • 2011
  • Zoning Law
  • "Professionalism in Zoning and Land Use Matters"
  • 2008
  • Zoning Law
  • "Ethics in Zoning: Topics for Panel Discussion"
  • 2007
  • Zoning Law
  • "Storm Water and Clean Water Act Issues"
  • 2007
  • Environmental Law Summer Seminar
  • "Solid Waste Management and Recent Landfill Litigation"
  • 2007
  • Zoning Law
  • "Landfill Regulation and Litigation Tactics"
  • 2006
  • Old Church, Oxford, GA
  • "Emory College, the Town of Oxford, and the Rebirth of the Humanities and the Historical Imagination"
  • 2006
  • Zoning and Land Use in Georgia
  • "Forum Shopping for Zoning and Land-Use Regulations in Georgia: Incorporations of New Cities and Annexations Under Recently Revised Statutes"
  • 2005
  • Commencement
  • "Character, Scholarship, Faith"
  • 2005
  • Zoning Law
  • "Recent Developments in Annexation Law"
  • 2004
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (16)
Endorse James
Probate Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Environmental and natural resources Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I fully endorse Mr. Griffin. He is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of estate planning and probate law. He truly cares and is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. You will not be disappointed."
Probate Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As a fellow lawyer in Birmingham I can tell you that James Griffin is the go to lawyer for estate planning and probate matters."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. James is an excellent attorney and quite knowledgeable in his field. He also treats his clients wonderfully and always with their best interests in mind."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James is knowledgeable and dedicated. If you want to make sure your loved are protected, talk to James first. You won't be sorry."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Great lawyer, really cares about his clients. He will give you the time and attention to make sure the job is done right. Hire this attorney if you're able."
Estate planning Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James is much more than THE BEST estate planning and probate attorney in Alabama. He is a leader in these specialties on a national level. He advises and mentors other estate planning attorneys from all over the country. His command of the ever evolving law, coming from his vast personal, business and entrepreneurial experience, is truly amazing! He is passionate and committed to making a difference for his clients. He truly cares about people! This sets him head and shoulders above the rest. He is truly a Super Lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James is knowledgeable and passionate about his work. He provides his clients with the highest level of service and I highly recommend him if you are looking for a personalized touch for your estate planning needs."
Estate planning Attorney | May 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"A great estate lawyer who will make sure your final wishes are followed so that you can continue caring for your loved ones when you're not able to be there personally."
Probate Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have come to know James through our professional organizations. Simply stated, when you are an attorney, you often know several other lawyers that you can recommend in any given practice area. I am happy to say that James is certainly on my referral list for probate and estate attorneys. Knowledgable and caring, James will take the extra step to make sure he gets the results the clients need."
Probate Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"James handles the probate aspects of my firm's personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits; he does a wonderful job and communicates very well."
State, local, and municipal law Attorney | Jan 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"James is hard working, smart, and client-oriented. I worked alongside him for more than a year, and I consider him a mentor in legal writing and local government law. He is a tireless worker who can see through the complexity of government regulations, slicing through them like a scalpel to get to the core issues of a situation, and then clearly and succinctly explain those issues to courts, regulators, opposing parties, and clients."
Land use and zoning Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with James for five years on local government, land use and environmental issues. James is a top notch attorney. He goes above and beyond for his clients by thoroughly preparing and providing strategic guidance on complex issues. Beyond being an excellent attorney, he is a man of exceptional character and is never too busy to advise a fellow associate. His devotion to his own family makes him particularly adept to serving the needs of clients with complex estate planning issues. I endorse James for his expertise in the practice areas of Environmental, Land Use/Zoning, Local Government, and Estate Planning."
Environmental and natural resources Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim really knows his stuff in this area. He is knowledgable and thorough and is doing a great job for his clients."
View more endorsements
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