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About James
Biography
James is a family man with a passion for adventure. He and his wife, Sherrie, love to find new places and having new experiences. He has been on a bobsled run, learned how to fly a plane, zip lined through the rain forest, attended a Hollywood premier, was part of America's Cup sailboat crew, got to meet Nickelback backstage and even driven a NASCAR race car. Most recently, he has developed a passion for riding motorcycles with the purchase of his new bike. He and Sherrie love to share those experiences with their three children, Ryan, Tyler, and Devyn.
Their favorite spot to spend time together has easily become Walt Disney World, which James affectionately refers to as his second home. "As you grow older, you have to still be a kid. Life is so serious and there continues to be more pressure the older you get. It's important for me to get to play with the kids, ride the rides, and be an active in my relationship with my kids," said James of his favorite vacation spot. He continued, "I'm grown up when I have to be, but being downright goofy when I want to be keeps me young at heart."
His passion for kids is also the driving force behind years spent as a youth hockey coach. After spending years coaching kids from 6-7 years old all the way to 14-15, James has learned how important it is for adults to have a positive effect on children. "You always wonder if you have an impact on kids," continued James, "and then 10 years later, when you see them carry the same respect and discipline outside the rink that they were taught in hockey, you realize you did. And they still call me coach!"
James is Castle Law Office's founder and president. He began his career with a passion for helping people get out of debt. James’ passion for working in the world of bankruptcy first came when he himself had to file for bankruptcy during law school. “After being laid off from General Motors, I found myself like 90% of the population,” explained James. The process was difficult for him but something positive did come out of it: it clarified what he wanted to do. “In law school, you take classes in the law but you aren’t taught about what kind of work is going to make you happy. I’m so grateful to have learned my passion early and followed my dream to become a great bankruptcy attorney,” finished James.
He started his bankruptcy practice in 1994 and has taken the same drive and determination he used to help over 30,000 families get debt relief to help the victims of serious accidents. James gets the most enjoyment out of litigating complex cases and going up against the insurance companies for the tough fight.
Through his work with injured victims, James has learned that there are critical mistakes that can be made immediately after an accident that prevent those involved from being treated fairly by the insurance companies. As a result, he used his extensive knowledge of personal injury and passion for education to write his fifth publication, "I Survived! The Crash Victim's Guide to Dealing with the Aftermath." James said of his book, "Regardless of whether someone represents themselves or even files with another attorney, having the right information is absolutely vital. I feel it's my duty to get that information out there and make it available for free."
He attended St. Louis University School of Law and is admitted to practice law in Missouri and the Eastern and Southern Districts of Illinois.
His most recent achievements include being selected as one of America's Top 20 Premier Experts, for which he has been featured in such national publications as USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Newsweek, as well as interview appearances on Fox, CBS, ABC, and NBC. He also co-authored a book with America's Premier Experts, Shift Happens, which provides the latest review n the economic recession. The book became a best-seller in three different categories soon after it was released.
In addition, he has been a featured guest on the prominent radio show "The Next Big Thing," and is the legal expert for St. Louis radio personality Niecy Davis from Foxy 95.5 during which he answers the most pressing legal questions from Missouri and Illinois residents.
Much of James' passion for injured persons is similar to his passion for his bankruptcy clients. "You have these giant companies and they are out to make a profit. Unfortunately, an insurance company makes a profit by paying out as little as possible, regardless of their actual injuries." He finished, "The best part of being the voice for these victims is getting the settlement and the treatment that the client actually deserves, not just what the insurance company is willing to give."
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
35%
32 years | 16,000 cases
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
35%
32 years | 14,000 cases
Debt Collection
30%
14 years | 42 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Missouri for 32 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Castle Law Office
500 North Broadway, Suite 1400, Saint Louis, MO, 63102
Castle Law Office - Wentzville, MO Office
1127 Wentzville Pkwy, Suite 4, Wentzville, MO, 63385
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James Russell Brown's Reviews
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What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | 5 stars
Posted by Pamela | August 19, 2010
“The qualities of a great man are vision, integrity, courage, understanding, the power of articulation, and profundity of charac
Castle law firm is a successful firm because James Brown and his staff has implemented personal ethics and professionalism toward their work with the outcome of your case to be the most successful that it can be, It was a pleasure from the moment we meet all the way through my process. Thank You ...
James Russell Brown's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Truly exceptional."
"I endorse Attorney James Brown who has a wealth of information on complex legal matters. I would recommend that you review his website for more information. He has countless happy clients. This is evident by the amount of referrals he receives from satisfied clients."
"This attorney has proven over a long period of time that he truly cares about his clients. Combined with the knowledge, ability and talent he provides this a great fit for your legal needs."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Jim Brown since the early 1990's and I would recommend him as a bankruptcy lawyer most highly. Jim has the experience in every facet of consumer bankruptcy to know all the options for his clients. In the St. Louis area there is no one better."
"I have known James Brown for many years and regularly seek his advice on business matters. I know of no other bankruptcy lawyer in his area who brings such great experience and skills to help his clients get through all the hurdles in a bankruptcy proceeding. His office is so well systematized that 100% of his clients receive first class legal representation."
"James Brown is simply wonderful and really, really knows his stuff when it comes to Bankruptcy! The key to success in bankruptcy law is being organized and having methods in place to smoothly go from evaluating a bankruptcy to obtaining a successful discharge; as well as being a top-notch lawyer who is up to speed on all of the complex nuances of the law. Mr Brown is all of this and I highly recommend him."
"I met Jim at a conference in DC, and was immediately impressed by his absolute commitment to client service. Jim practices law for the right reasons, and is an asset to the legal community. If someone I cared about ever needed legal help in St. Louis, Jim would be my first call."
"James Brown is an extremely knowledgable and capable bankruptcy attorney as well as a good businessman. He is also a nice guy. I strongly endorse him."
"Jim Brown is a lawyer truly committed to empowering his clients with the information they need to make the best legal decisions for themselves and their families about Bankruptcy. I have practiced law for almost 20 years and rarely do you see in my profession an attorney so dedicated debt and bankruptcy education. He is a tireless advocate. Get his great books - they are a must read for every consumer considering debt relief and bankruptcy."
"James and the Castle Law Office are THE FIRM to call if you have bankruptcy questions in the St. Louis area. James and I are members of a national organization together. His dedication to his clients and focus on his practice are second to none. Without hesitation I endorse James Brown."
"James is the premier bankruptcy attorney in St. Louis. With many years of experience advocating for his clients rights, James is viewed as one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the bankruptcy field."
"James is the guy to call. His tenacity and knowledge of his practice areas is superb, I have no qualms about fully endorsing James Brown."
"James Brown is one of the best bankruptcy attorneys I know. If you live in St. Louis and are considering bankruptcy you should call Jim before you do anything else. He is there to help you and educate you on the process. In fact he wrote the book on bankruptcy law. Jim truly cares about each client. I highly recommend James Brown and The Castle Law Office."
"I endorse Jim Brown to any person who needs a bankruptcy and/or personal injury lawyer. Jim is a nationally recognized attorney who provides his clients, as well as potential clients, with all necessary information that will help them make informed decisions about the legal process. You and your family members would be well served by hiring Jim and his firm to represent your interests."
"I endorse this lawyer. James is a very knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney. His website and blog are very informative. We have even directed our clients in San Diego to review their website for information. I recommend the Castle Law Firm."
"I endorse this lawyer. James is a leading authority in bankruptcy law in the United States and is a great resource for people in Missouri and Southern Illinois. I highly recommend the Castle Law Firm."
"As somebody who has known Jim for years, I fully endorse him and his law firm. He has built a successful bankruptcy and personal injury practice by going the extra mile for his clients. I admire the vast amount of knowledge and information he offers the public - all for free. I wouldn't hesitate a second to recommend Jim to anyone in need of a skilled attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've met Jim at national conferences and he's a true exert in representing individuals through the bankruptcy process. I endorse Jim without any hesitation."
"I have known James for sometime. He has a sharp analytical mind. He is efficient in running his staff in the most organized way. When you are going through a reorganization of your finances, you don't want just any bankruptcy lawyer. You want someone like James and his team. Our firm does workers' compensation. We know what it is like to get in financial hardships. You want James and his team looking out for you."
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Experience
Honors
2010
Bankruptcy Lawyer of the Year, American Lawyer Academy
2009
Best-Selling Author, Academy of Best Selling Authors
2008
Voted Best Attorney to Have on Your Side, Missouri Lawyers Weekly
Work Experience
1994 - Present
President, Castle Law Office
Associations
2014 - Present
Local Rules Advisory Committee for the U.S. Bankruptcy CourtCommittee Member
2013 - Present
National Association of Consumer AdvocatesMember
2012 - Present
Missouri Association of Trial AttorneysMember
2010 - Present
CHADS CoalitionBoard Member
2009 - Present
American Lawyer AcademyMember
2008 - Present
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
American Bankruptcy InstituteMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
Sample of Legal Cases
David's Bankruptcy Discharge Violation Ends in Extra Money in his Pocket
David’s illegally garnished funds were returned to him, the collector signed a Satisfaction of Judgment. David also got a little extra money in his pocket and all attorney’s fees and costs paid for by the debt collector.
Helping People but Hurting Her Livelihood: Pam Files Missouri Bankruptcy
We got rid of $25,763.33 in unsecured debts and helped her keep her house and car through her Chapter 13 plan.
James Gets Rid of Thousands in Debt And Gets Life Back on Track
James was able to discharge over $50,000 in debt and still keep his house.
Education
1993
Saint Louis University
Juris Doctorate
1989
Lindenwood University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
GLM Superconference
Bankruptcy Law Marketing
2012
GLM Super Conference
Bankruptcy Law Marketing
2011
Great Legal Marketing Conference
Lawyer Marketing
2011
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
2011
BDB Group
Attorney Marketing
2010
Great Legal Marketing Conference
Lawyer Marketing
2010
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
2009
Great Legal Marketing Conference
Lawyer Marketing
2009
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
2009
Celebrity Lawyer
Bankruptcy and Personal Injury Law
2008
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
2007
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
2005
Continuing Legal Education
Bankruptcy Law
Publications
2013
How to Sue Your Debt Collectors
Debt Collection Harassment
2011
"Live to Ride, Ride to Live: The Ultimate Biker's Guide"
The Missouri Motorcycle Accident Book
2010
The Missouri Accident Book
Essential Guide to Serious Injuries in Missouri
2009
Shift Happens
Getting Past Debt: Regroup, Restructure, Rebuild!
2008
Get Out of Debt: Secrets Your Creditors Don't Want You to Know
The Missouri and Illinois Bankruptcy Book
2008
The Ten Must Know Secrets to Having the Life You Dreamed of after Bankruptcy
The Essential Guide to Your Family's Bright Financial Future
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
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