$ 200-250 per hour
Jim was raised in Grand Rapids, and after graduating from Union High School, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College in 1984 where he majored in Economics and Psychology. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2012 where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in the top 5% of his graduating class.
While at Cooley, Jim earned several awards including the Raymond Burr Award for Criminal Law and the Atticus Finch Award for Professional Responsibility. He earned Certificates of Merit in Criminal Law, Contracts II, Workers Compensation, and Estate Planning. He was also a Senior Associate Editor on Law Review.
During law school, he volunteered his time at Michigan Court of Appeals, where he was a student law clerk for 2 judges. He also volunteered at the Kent County Defenders Office, providing legal representation for indigent defendants. His previous work experience includes seven years as a licensed financial consultant for a major NYSE firm, and several years as a Regional Manager for a multi-national pharmaceutical company. He also owned his own boutique tax preparation service.
Jim became an attorney to help people solve problems, and understands it is a privilege to work with people concerning serious matters. His broad experience gives him the ability to listen carefully and truly understand his clients’ situations. Jim practices in the areas of criminal defense, civil litigation, and estate planning. He can help protect your family with prudent estate planning, help when you are injured or involved in a dispute, and help you to protect your rights if you or a loved one is charged with a crime.
Jim will listen, understand, and carefully explain the available options to you. He will pursue your goals as effectively and efficiently as possible, whether that requires a careful negotiation or aggressive representation in court.
8
Practice Areas
12 years | 40 cases
12 years | 30 cases
12 years | 15 cases
$ 200-250 per hour
25%-33%
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Chat withState: Michigan
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
5175 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Rita | November 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
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
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...
Posted by Addeury Marmol | February 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney
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
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
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 ...
"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."
"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."
Car accident lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
2012
Raymond Burr Award, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2019 - Present
Adjunct Professor Employment Law, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2019 - Present
Attorney, Sterken Law PLC.
2013 - Present
Grand Rapids Bar Association3 R's Steering Committe
2012 - Present
State Bar of Michigan
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2019
Professional Ethics
2015
The meaning of the Constitution
English
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