James Michael Scozzari

James Michael Scozzari

3.4
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 11 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Corporate & Incorporation, Contracts & Agreements

85 Campau Ave NW Ste R305, Grand Rapids, MI

About James

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 11 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2014

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Tanis Schultz PLLC

85 Campau Ave NW Ste R305, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-2611

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James Michael Scozzari's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.4 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (4)

Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Poor performance by a professional

Do not hire for family law. Hired for my son. Missed major deadline and very poor communication. . Ended up spending thousands to lsettle for wsy less than any patent should have too.

Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Cheap and Not Worth It

I had a recent custody issue and found Mr. Scozzari online. Upon visiting his office and browsing his website, I was immediately put off by the unprofessional aesthetic, which felt like navigating a game of Tetris with its overwhelming colors. After speaking with Mr. Scozzari for about 15 minutes,... I found his demeanor and professional approach to be quite off-putting. He gave me the impression of a "slimy" lawyer, reminiscent of a caricatured villain in a children’s movie. His approach seemed to be more about quantity over quality, taking on as many cases as possible in hopes of winning some. The only positive aspect I found about Mr. Scozzari's practice is its affordability. However, much like a fast-food chain, while it's cheap and accessible, it lacks the quality one might seek in legal representation. Based on my experience, I decided not to proceed with Mr. Scozzari's services.

James Scozzari

Replied last July 24, 2024

This is an opposing party on a matter who has commented on my Google business profile as well, and seems to be upset with results obtained. I have their IP address and have taken appropriate action

Posted by Eric | August 7, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

James is a stellar person and a stellar attorney

After being charged with an OWI, James went to work to get me the best possible outcome he could. Always polite, always prompt, and always professional. I could not recommend him highly enough to represent you. Thanks again, James!

Posted by MIKE | August 7, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

GREAT lawyer

One day leaving court I passed another atty. ..Martin said "I don't know what you have going on ,but it sounds like you're getting a good deal"..I got a great deal THANKS to James..Felony number 20 something and James got me probation. I can't rate James high enough. GREAT ATTY. I recommend James to ...everybody I know...

Posted by Melissa Barahona | August 4, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

I would advise a court appointed

I hired James Scozzari thinking that he would fight for my son i payed him 6,000 to take my case to trial and he did not fight for my son whatsoever he was not aggressive or tough enough he did not speak up for my son, he will only sit there like a bump on a log and he will not FIGHT FOR YOUR LOVED O...NE!!!he told my son that he would be better off taking a plea right in the middle of trial because the jury would find him guilty (how does he no that) he is very ineffective when it comes to good council, he was always late and not really worried about the case at hand. He was to FIGHT AND WORK FOR MY SON!!! MY HUSBAND AND I PAYED HIM OUR HARD EARNED MONEY! And he did neither HE CALLED THE SHOTS NOT ME HE WILL NOT LET YOU OR YOUR WITNESSES SPEAK he will become friendly with the prosecutor and listen to them it's them against you...now my son has 6 years prison time thanks for nothing...

See All Client Reviews

James Michael Scozzari's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Ryan Anthony Maesen headshot
Ryan Maesen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Great criminal defense lawyer. Very knowledge and capable of getting the job done every time."

Matthew Thomas Berry headshot
Matthew Berry

Unknown lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have worked with James for over a year now, and I can honestly say I've never seen anyone more passionate about his client's cases than him. James is fearless, hard-working, brilliant, and will always stand firm in advocating for his clients. I would refer anyone to James and be confident that their case will be handled diligently and professionally. I highly endorse James."

Erol Gulistan headshot
Erol Gulistan

Unknown lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nancy Loukus Ballast headshot
Nancy Ballast

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James takes all his cases seriously and provides top-notch representation for each client."

Lisa M. Perry Rowe headshot
Lisa Perry Rowe

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a respectful, professional, and knowledgeable attorney on this and many other legal matters. I wholeheartedly endorse James Scozzari."

Molly Marie Urbanski headshot
Molly Urbanski

Unknown lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael David Zaskiewicz headshot
Michael Zaskiewicz

Insurance lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Friend

"James' professionalism and knowledge make him a great attorney work with!"

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Unknown lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joshua J. Tanis headshot
Joshua Tanis

Insurance lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"James has worked at my firm for some time now. James is knowledgeable, caring, and respectful. He has done a fantastic job servicing clients in the insurance segment of the law and continues to impress me with client satisfaction."

Michael Patrick Hanrahan headshot
Michael Hanrahan

Contracts and agreements lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with James within this past year. James is one of the most driven, intelligent, and insightful attorneys I have come to know in the Grand Rapids community. I have no doubts he demonstrates the same great qualities to all of his clients. I highly recommend and endorse James as a competent and reputable attorney."

Steven Daniel Schultz headshot
Steven Schultz

Litigation lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. James has been working with me on several large cases, including appellate work. He has worked closely with my clients and helped facilitate resolution of very difficult cases. I would have no problem recommending him to anyone who needs legal help."

Sujai Veerdhaval Pitale headshot
Sujai Pitale

General practice lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known James for quite some time. He is a fantastic attorney, and he is very dedicated to his clients. Highly recommended!"

View All Endorsements
Ryan Anthony Maesen headshot
Ryan Maesen

Criminal defense lawyer

Elizabeth A. Yard headshot
Elizabeth Yard

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Matthew Thomas Berry headshot
Matthew Berry

Family lawyer

Erol Gulistan headshot
Erol Gulistan

Criminal defense lawyer

Lisa M. Perry Rowe headshot
Lisa Perry Rowe

Criminal defense lawyer

Molly Marie Urbanski headshot
Molly Urbanski

Unknown lawyer

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Litigation lawyer

Thomas A. Mysliwiec headshot
Thomas Mysliwiec

Business lawyer

Joshua J. Tanis headshot
Joshua Tanis

Estate planning lawyer

Michael Patrick Hanrahan headshot
Michael Hanrahan

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Michael David Zaskiewicz headshot
Michael Zaskiewicz

Construction and development lawyer

Sujai Veerdhaval Pitale headshot
Sujai Pitale

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Steven Daniel Schultz headshot
Steven Schultz

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2012 - 2014

Law Clerk, Tanis Schultz, PLLC

Associations

2014 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Assciation

2014 - Present

Young Lawyers Association

Education

2013

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2009

State University of New York, Stony Brook

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

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.

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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