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James Oliver Hacking III

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Avvo Rating9.8
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Licensed for 23 years
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About James

Jim Hacking has practiced law in the greater St. Louis area since 1997. While immigration law is his primary focus, Jim has handled civil litigation for his entire practice. Jim applies his litigation skills to his immigration practice, successfully litigating numerous cases against the federal government for individuals waiting for years for citizenship and lawful permanent resident status. He also has successfully represented many clients facing deportation from the United States.

Outside of the immigration realm, Jim represents individuals injured through the negligence of others and also handles workers compensation claims. Jim is an experienced litigator, having handled numerous cases through trial and appeals in Missouri and Illinois. In the early part of his career, Jim practiced maritime law at a local boutique firm. Jim now uses that background in representing barge workers injured on the job. He has handled numerous Jones Act injury claims over the course of his career.

Jim has been active in local civic affairs. He has been a volunteer attorney through Legal Services of Eastern Missouri since he started practicing law. Jim was a founding member of the St. Louis Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and served as the group's executive director for two years. He has served on the U.S. Attorney's Hate Crimes Task Force and currently chairs the Muslim Task Force of the ACLU of Eastern Missouri. In 2009, he received the Eugene H. Buder Award from the ACLU of Eastern Missouri as volunteer of the year. In 2009, Jim was elected to the inaugural board of Missouri Immigrants & Refugee Advocates, an organization dedicated to fighting for the rights of immigrants and refugees. In 2010, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri awarded Jim the F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award for his efforts advocating for low income individuals in the St. Louis area. Jim has also taught as an adjunct professor at the SLU Law School.

In 2004, the Riverfront Times named Jim the Best Lawyer in St. Louis. Jim graduated with honors from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he served as Editor in Chief of the Saint Louis University Law Journal. His article "Won't You Be My Neighbor - Does New Jersey's Megan's Law Violate The Constitution Ban On The Passage Of Ex Post Facto Legislation?" appeared in the 41st Edition of the Law Journal.  The Riverfront TImes again named Jim Best Lawyer in St. Louis in 2013.

Jim has been featured in The New York Times, the Washington Post and on National Public Radio. He has been interviewed repeatedly on local television, radio and print outlets. He lives in Webster Groves, Missouri, with his wife, three sons and daughter.

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Practice areas

Immigration
  1. Immigration: 100%

    Our firm helps people who want to come and stay in the U.S. We handle citizenship, asylum, green card and employment immigration cases. We view immigration as a zero sum game - you win or lose. We fight very hard for our clients.

    15 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English, Bosnian

Photos and videos

1862924 1411654759

1862924 1411654784

Contact

Hacking Law Practice, LLC

10900 Manchester Road | Suite 203
Saint Louis, MO, 63122

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law199806/05/2021
    MOGood Standing, Active199705/12/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers15
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Best Lawyer in St. LouisRiverfront Times2013
    F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono AwardLegal Services of Eastern Missouri2010
    Eugene H. Buder AwardACLU of Eastern Missouri2009
    Best Lawyer in St. LouisRiverfront Times2004
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    MemberHacking Law Practice, LLC2008 - Present
    LecturerSt. Louis University School Of Law2009 - 2010
    MemberTonkin & Mondl, LC2006 - 2008
    AssociateTonkin & Mondl, LC1999 - 2006
    AssociateRiezman & Blitz, PC1997 - 1999
    Law ClerkGray & Ritter, LC1992 - 1997
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember2008 - Present
    Illinois State Bar AssociationMember1998 - Present
    Missouri BarMember1997 - Present
    Bar Association of Metropolitan St. LouisMember1997 - Present
    American Bar AssociationMember1997 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Saint Louis Bar JournalThe Times They Are a Changin'2017
    Saint Louis University Law Journal“Won’t You Be My Neighbor — Does New Jersey’s Megan’s Law Violate The Constitution Ban On The Passage Of Ex Post Facto Legislation?”1997
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Saint Louis University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1997
    Saint Louis UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1992
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Welcoming the StrangerRefugees and Immigrants2017
    The End of DACADeferred Action for Childhood Arrivals2017
    Public RadioThe End of DACA2017
    University of Missouri - St. LouisImmigration 1012016
    Southern Illinois UniversityFrom Student Visa to Green Card Holder2016
    Guest SpeakerWhat International students need to know about immigration law2014
    American Inns of CourtClient Relations2012
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Wilson v. BeersDefendant's Motions Denied

    Reviews

    (106)
    5 Star
    		96%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		1%
    2 Star
    		1%
    1 Star
    		2%
    Review James Hacking

    In need of social services?

    Posted by

    In need of social services? I am an experienced hacker from the Darkweb. ([email protected]),Recently read an article about how much people demands or search for someone who could help with all of these computer tech.I provide services to all sorts of hack related issues like: WhatsApp (hacking,cloning or spying)Mobile phones/numbers(retrieving text messages,call logs(voice call/video call),Facebook(Retreiving passwords,hacking/cloning) and Skype,Imo,Kik,Gmail,Yahoomail,Protonmail,Bitcoin(Trading bitcoins/Ethereum,Earning at high rate and selling at low price and hacking BTC/ETH),hacking HTML sites,CREDIT CARD(Increasing credit limit and pay off debts),CREDIT UNION,ACH,Wire transfer.Encrypting and decrypting E-mail,Sites,creating social securities to your data’s. Looking forward to hearing back from you soon.Thanks
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Real and reliable hackers should be appreciated for the good works

    Posted by

    Real and reliable hackers should be appreciated for the good works, I was privilege to mail hacker4wise last week and after this hacker worked for me, i got the good results have been longing to get about my spouse since the past 3 months after contacting this hacker i got all of that.I just want to take my time to appreciate you and also in the space of a week i have also referred 3 of my friends to this hacker ([email protected] hacker4wise.com) and he has never disappointed them. GOD BLESS YOU.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Phone consultation

    Posted by

    Jim is the real deal! This week, I had the unexpected pleasure of being able to speak to Jim himself over the phone about a problem my wife and I were potentially facing in our marriage-based green card case, and it came as no surprise that he was incredibly knowledgeable about how we should proceed. Between the plethora of information he's provided for free over YouTube, as well as his kind manners and patience, it's blatantly obvious that he's passionate about immigration law and helping people. I applaud Jim and his firm for all of their hard work, and my only regret is that I had already made arrangements with another firm prior to contacting him. I wish him, and his team, the best of luck as they represent the best side of America- the side that helps the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. I would recommend his firm to anyone, and if I ever need an attorney again, I'll know who to call.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    If there was a 6th star... Jim deserves it!

    Posted by

    After 2 years and 6 months of battling adjustment of status, I decided to change my lawyer to get things moving. I found Jim Hacking. I hired him and he quickly swung into action. In less than 5 months I got my 10 years GC!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Thanks for fighting for immigrants!

    Posted by

    After almost 2 years delay by Uscis in adjudicating my AOS application, I consulted with Jim Hacking in Sept 2020 and he advised we should file a WOM . USCIS was served on Sept 22nd, 2020 and Just 3 weeks after USCIS was served, my case was approved. Ms Sydney Suiter was the paralegal assigned to work with me, she was very helpful, friendly and responsive. Thanks to Jim and team for fighting for immigrants everyday!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Glad to have hired Mr. Hacking

    Posted by

    I felt that I had made the leap of faith in deciding to hire Mr. Hacking at the time. At first, I was uncertain of my case, but he reviewed it and gave me his law-based assessment which I considered very fair, so that I could have reasonable expectations before signing a contract. But the outcome actually exceeded my expectations. I got not just one H-1B denial reversed, but also had the extension of stay approved on a subsequent H-1B approval which had required consular processing. He also has a great team. In fact, we never directly communicated until towards the end of the case when I had a follow-up request for which he needed a confirmation over the phone. The communication has been superb, very friendly, and I never felt ashamed or unwelcome for having made follow-up inquiries with his law firm, at moments when I felt stressful or doubtful. The fees charged and the payment plan were very reasonable. For the quality and timeliness of the work they delivered, I was greatly impressed. He certainly also has a system for getting the lawsuit out efficiently and timely. Within a week of signing the contract, the legal complaint was ready to be filed with the court. Overall, Mr. Hacking and his firm have the expertise, integrity, and service which I highly recommend them for.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Brilliant Lawyer

    Posted by

    Amazing lawyer and an amazing team. I had no hope of getting out of administrative processing but him and his team made it possible. Me and my husband will finally unite after a dreadful 2 year wait. Thank you so much.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Hacking Law Practice LLC deserves more than 5 stars.

    Posted by

    James Oliver Hacking and his team exactly knows how to read and deal with their client case. Our case was almost stuck for more than 2 years. We hired James Oliver Hacking when we got all answers on our first consultation call from James. Not only our case started moving, but in fact within 6-7 months our case got approved. Thanks a lot to James and his team!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Immigration Delay

    Posted by

    After my husbands case had been under administrative processing for over 2 years I finally contacted Jim to file a writ of mandamus. His paralegal Laura And him explained the whole process and time line. They were both very professional, understanding and straight forward about everything. 3 weeks after filing the law suit my husband was contacted to issue his visa! My only regret is not contacting Jim so much sooner. Thank you Jim for helping my family be together again!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    My case was stuck in Administrative Processing and Jim Hacking rescued me !

    Posted by

    It is my pleasure to recommend Jim Hacking Law Practice. My case was stuck in Administrative Processing since 2013 and I had lost all hope. Knowing I am from Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Jim had reassured me that a Mandamus could potentially help and resolve the blackhole; He filed for me and made sure that we got response from the U.S government. Great Customer Service as we continued to contact through mail and conference calls. Also, very professional and understanding on case. I will highly recommend Jim Hacking to anyone.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (15)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Shawn Hamp, Immigration Attorney on Apr 19, 2019
    Relationship: Friend

    Jim is an excellent attorney who focuses on getting legal immigration status for his clients when they have faced many set backs and obstacles. He has extensive knowledge about strategies and procedures involving the Unites States Customs and Immigration Service.

    Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Immigration Attorney on Dec 9, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse and highly recommend this lawyer. I cannot say enough about Jim. He is not only knowledgeable, but he is also passionate. He loves what he does, and it shows. His clients' interests are his interests. He is an exceptional advocate that ensure all his clients' needs are met with the best possible results. I am proud to call him a colleague!

    Kyce Siddiqi, Immigration Attorney on May 18, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer.

    Gary Burger, Immigration Attorney on Aug 24, 2015
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Jim is a really smart and hardworking lawyer. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. His legal acumen and ability to get amazing legal results is without equal. I refer all my immigration clients to him.

    Thomas Gonwa

    Jim sets the standard for immigration attorneys. I refer clients to Jim without hesitation and strongly endorse him.

    Mark Cantor, Immigration Attorney on Feb 25, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim is one of the best immigration lawyers in the St. Louis region. I never hesitate to refer anyone in need of help with a family or work visa or any other type of immigration matter because I know they will be in good hands with Jim. He is a very caring and compassionate person and provides a great service for his clients.

    Benjamin Glass, Immigration Attorney on Oct 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim Hacking has an enormous number of immigration resources at his website. I'd highly recommend visiting the website and then giving his office a call. They love to help people!

    Jonathon Burns, Immigration Attorney on Aug 17, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim is one of the most knowledgeable immigration attorneys in the State of Missouri. I have referred clients to him and will continue to do so in the future. I recommend him without exception.

    Stephen Bardol, Immigration Attorney on Jun 18, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim is one of the best immigration attorneys in town. I refer any of my clients with immigration issues to Jim and know that they will be in great hands with Jim.

    Rickey Farrow, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 18, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Vaughan De Kirby, Immigration Attorney on Aug 26, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I practice exclusively Immigration law in San Francisco California. I know how important the right immigration attorney can be to reaching your immigration goals. Attorney Jim Hacking has been practicing law since 1997 and helping people in the St. Louis area with their immigration issues for many years. Without hesitation Jim is the attorney to call when you need an attorney who is an expert in immigration law.

    Mark Dean, Immigration Attorney on Aug 25, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim is one of the top, if not top, immigration attorney in the St. Louis area. I recommend him for anyone (fellow lawyer or client) needing immigration advise and counsel.

    Robert Caldwell, Immigration Attorney on May 6, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim takes a very active and aggressive approach to ensure that his clients receive fair treatment in their immigration proceedings, and he is not afraid to take court action. Jim strongly supports fair immigration legislation, and his work wholly contributes to a better society. I strongly endorse Jim.

    Ross Mutrux, Immigration Attorney on Apr 25, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Jim is the best immigration lawyer I know in St. Louis. I refer him all immigration clients that come through my office.

    Andres Mejer, Immigration Attorney on Apr 22, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    James knows his stuff. He is compassionate about his clients and strong advocate for their needs. You can trust James. You can rely on James. He takes your issues to heart. If you find yourself in the St. Louis area and need an immigration attorney, James is your guy.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates$200-$200/hour
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
        25%-33%
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Sometimes
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card