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James S. Lawrence
also known as James Sterling Lawrence
About James
Biography
I am a graduate of the University of Michigan law school, licensed as attorney since 1982. I have extensive experience in both state and federal courts. It appears that I have more published opinions at the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals than any other Michigan attorney who does not work for the government. I have gotten many people out of prison. I have argued at the US Supreme Court. I am well known in the Michigan prison system for my successes, and also for the seminars I give occasionally to prisoners informing them about the court system. When I was 8 and 9 years old my family lived in Caracas, Venezuela, so my Spanish is fairly good. For those considering hiring me, I have samples of my appeal briefs and rulings, and transcripts showing my performance in trial court criminal defense. I am married, live in Detroit suburbs.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Appeals
60%
44 years
Criminal Defense
25%
44 years
Constitutional
5%
44 years
Federal Crime
5%
44 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 44 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1982
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2022
Location
James Sterling Lawrence, Attorney
235 S. Gratiot Avenue, Mount Clemens, MI, 48035
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James S. Lawrence's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (6)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | 4 stars
Posted by Michael | November 06, 2017
False Imprisonment
Darn, I just did the review and it disappeared; strange. Me and James used words that relied upon this sites communication abilities. It appears that distance is a key contributing factor and as James is in Michigan and I am in Oregon this factor cannot be overcome. As to the question of would...
James S. Lawrence's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Jim for over 25 years and think he is a brilliant appellate attorney. We compete for the same market so I am probably shooting myself in the foot by endorsing him, but I think is a great lawyer and a good guy."
"I endorse Attorney Lawrence. His knowledge of the law and his years of experience are very evident in the answers to the questions posed on Avvo. I would not hesitate to refer anyone to him for legal services. I am proud to call him a Michigan Colleague."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I've known Jim for about 10 years. Several years ago, I was co-counsel on a CSC case with another lawyer. Unfortunately, we did not succeed and our client was convicted. The family of the Defendant wanted me to handle the appeal, but I declined for several reasons. They asked if I could recommend someone. I said that I would look around and contact various appellate attorneys that I knew. Jim was one of them, along with 2 others. I talked about the case with all of them and the approach that they would take. I met with the family and discussed my contacts with the attorneys. Afterwords, they asked who I would recommend. I told them clearly and unequivocally Jim. They hired him and were very satisfied with the work that he did. Unlike other convicted clients, where the appeals attorney did not contact me, Jim talked to me extensively about the facts. Jim and I have continued to talk about our cases over the years and remain close."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Lawrence is a dedicated, effective criminal defense attorney. He generously provides his time on various law forums working with the defense community. I give him my strongest recommendation."
"I endorse this lawyer he has an excellent grasp of the criminal law and is generous enough to help those who ask for help. It is with pleasure that I endorse and recommend Attorney Lawrence in all his practice areas.."
Catherine O'Meara
Criminal defense lawyer
Edward Sternisha
Criminal defense lawyer
Barry Poulson
Criminal defense lawyer
Stuart Friedman
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2022.
Suspension issued in MI, 2022
updated on 09/20/2022Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Disbarment issued in MI, 2020
updated on 01/07/2021Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the State Bar of Michigan to understand the reasons for disbarment.
Suspension issued in MI, 2020
updated on 11/25/2020Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
1980
Certificate of Merit - highest grade, f cts, University of Michigan Law School
Work Experience
1982 - Present
Attorney, James Sterling Lawrence, Attorney
1981 - 1986
Law Clerk, Attorney, Sheldon Halpern, Attorney
1979 - 1981
Law clerk, State Appellate Defender Office
Associations
State Bar of Michigan
member
Darrow Criminal Defense Forum
member
Michigan Habeas Corpus Attorney Listserve
member
Criminal Defense Section, SBM
member
Sample of Legal Cases
People v Terry
Not guilty verdict by jury.
People v Punter
Criminal charge dismissed after def's statement excluded.
Baum v Wolfenbarger
Parole revocation reversed, client released from prison.
Satterlee v. Wolfenbarger, 453 F3d 362 (6th Cir. 2006)
Habeas corpus granted, Defendant released from prison, all charges dismissed.
Abela v. Martin, 380 F3d 914 (6th Cir. 2004)
Habeas corpus granted.
Matthews v Abramajtys, 319 F3d 780 (6th Cir. 2003)
Habeas corpus granted, case dismissed.
US v Peterson
Not guilty.
People v Rader
Not guilty.
People v Marshall
Jury accepts claims of self-defense, finds defendant not guilty.
Education
1980
University of Michigan
J.D.
1972
Michigan State University
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2014
Seminar
Legal Ethics
N/A
Speak at prisons
Criminal appeals and habeas corpus
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a defendant file a 1983 if he was denied his right to appointment of counsel for appeal
17 Dec 2024
Q&A
Restraining order?
25 Sep 2024
Q&A
Hiow long do you have to withdraw your plea?
24 Sep 2024