James Robert Sterken

James Robert Sterken

5.0
Rating: 6.9

Licensed for 12 years

General practice Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: General Practice, Business, Estate Planning ... +5 more

5175 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

General Practice 25%

As a General Practice attorney, I am a good first point of contact I can comfortably handle most matters The best interests of a client are my #1 priority. If your case requires a specialist, I can help you find the right person even if it is not me.

25%
Business 20%

I advise small to medium sized businesses in the area of compliance, contract analysis and drafting, litigation, and succession planning.

12 years | 40 cases

20%
Estate Planning 15%

Estate planning includes the traditional areas of wills and trusts, but also includes succession planning for businesses, buy/sell agreements, and healthcare planning.

12 years | 30 cases

15%
Employment and Labor 10%

I work in the area of both Federal and State Overtime Laws, Civil Rights Compliance, and Anti-Discrimination. This includes Sexual Harrassment and racial discrimination cases.I also am experienced in the areas of non-competes wrongful termination.

12 years | 15 cases

10%
Real Estate 10%

11 years | 15 cases

10%
Administrative Law 5%

I help people in the area of state licensing, and represent them in disciplinary proceedings where the State is recommending sanctions against them

12 years | 10 cases

5%
Criminal Defense 5%

I have successfully defended clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in both State and Federal Court.

40 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-250 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 12 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2013

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Sterken Law PLC.

5175 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525

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James Robert Sterken's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Rita | November 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Should be everyone's go to attorney for civil matters!

He is honest and fair. He dropped everything he was doing to assist in a serious matter and it was resolved quickly and efficiently.

Posted by Ronald | October 24, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Smart, hardworking,tenacious, personable,considerate, and caring of client needs.

When my handicapped 30 year old grandson was killed on his Moped while passing a car, I was devastated and ready to give up any chances of getting any kind of reparations. When I called James Sterken I was encouraged to pursue damages as after the police report it was determined by police that my gra...ndson was at fault. As I explained the situation to Mr. Sterken, he went ahead and investigated the situation and determined a video was available which displayed circumstances that went beyond the initial police report. However, much of the court dates that had been set up were put on hold and stopped due to the Pandemic in 2020. At any rate, James did not let that stop him , even though deadlines were changed and good old fashioned investagative lawyering made all the difference in the world for my case. I can only say that James demonstrated all of the good charateristics of a great lawyer, and even more important an empathic and caring person. If I ever have to hire a lawyer again I will definitely hire Mr. Sterken again and that is why I gave him 5 stars out of 5 stars. Thanks again James, you are the greatest lawyer and a wonderful person as well. Kudos to you!!! Ronald

Posted by Addeury Marmol | February 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer

Had many faults my first court Was supposed to have penalty and a lot more. I went to my first one And all charges drop all I got was a ticket EVERYONE PLEASE IF YOU NEED A LAWYER GO TO HIM HE IS THE ONE HE KNOWS WHAT HES DOING

Posted by Kris | July 3, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

My new go-to lawyer...

Had some truancy issues and i went to James, eventually hiring him. Him and his staff were friendly and courteous while dealing with this whole ordeal. In the end, James' skill had everything wrapped up in an effiecient and timely manner. I would hire him again, should the need arise.

Posted by Richard Higgins | February 8, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Saved Me From A Domestic & Saved My Career

When I first met Jim I was facing a Domestic Assault charge out of Grandville Michigan. Quickly he went to work gathering information and staying in constant contact in order to dig at the case. His confidence picked me up when I felt very discouraged. I had a tremendous amount of pressure riding ...on the outcome of my case. While in jail he visited me and continued to hash away at my case. He gave me hope even when I had none. His confidence, dedication and hard work as a lawyer are all virtues that you would look for in representation. Above all else he was my friend when I had none. I give Jim a 10/10 and would recommend him AND his firm to anyone. Even his assistant Sydney is helpful and extremely friendly with every single encounter. If I ever run in to trouble again I know who to turn to. He saved my career in the military, my goals in law enforcement and my life. Thanks for everything Jim.

See All Client Reviews

James Robert Sterken's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Wayne Patrick Kolehouse headshot
Wayne Kolehouse

Unknown lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Family member

"If you talk to Jim even briefly, you'll be able to tell how much he cares about his client and loves helping people with their problems. I know him both as a family member and as a fellow attorney, and I would recommend him without hesitation."

Charles Christopher Newberg headshot
Charles Newberg

General practice lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"Jim Sterken genuinely cares about his clients, his cases, and promoting justice, no matter how small or unpopular the cause might be. His extremely broad knowledge of the law allows him to approach legal issues from a different perspective than the average attorney and his creative approach to negotiating and resolving claims results in very happy clients. I indubitably endorse Jim."

Nancy Loukus Ballast headshot
Nancy Ballast

Unknown lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A top-notch attorney, I have no hesitation in recommending him."

Michael Richard Toburen headshot
Michael Toburen

General practice lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Thomas P. Murray Jr. headshot
Thomas Murray

Car accident lawyer

Alfred John Pandl headshot
Alfred Pandl

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Richard Toburen headshot
Michael Toburen

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  6.9 (Good)

Honors

2012

Raymond Burr Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Adjunct Professor Employment Law, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School

2019 - Present

Attorney, Sterken Law PLC.

Associations

2013 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

3 R's Steering Committe

2012 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Education

2012

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2019

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Professional Ethics

2015

Constitution Day

The meaning of the Constitution

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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