James Oliver Hacking III

James Oliver Hacking III

4.8
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 28 years

Immigration Lawyer at Saint Louis, MO
Practice Areas: Immigration

10900 Manchester Road | Suite 203, Saint Louis, MO

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

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.

20 years | 2,000 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-200 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 27 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1998

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Licensed in Missouri for 28 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 1997

Good Standing, Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hacking Law Practice, LLC

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

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James Oliver Hacking III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

227 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 43 reviews | Professionalism

Posted by James | December 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair

From 611 → 836/841/837 in 30 days – Pinnacle Credit Specialist saved my credit (and my sanity)

I’m still in shock typing this. On February 16, 2025, my score suddenly crashed more than 190 points overnight from low-800s all the way down to 611 because of a bogus 90-day late on my federal student loans. The loans had been with Great Lakes, got transferred to Nelnet, and were paused during COVID.... Somehow Nelnet never updated my address and kept mailing statements to an old place. I never saw them, never knew payments restarted, and boom reported 90 days late. I called Nelnet repeatedly, begged, explained the COVID pause mess and they basically said “not our problem, you should’ve updated your address.” Even my CFPB complaint came back denied. I thought I was screwed for years. Posted my story on myFICO® Forums completely defeated, and someone in the comments said “Reach out to Pinnacle Credit Specialist they fixed the exact same thing for me.” I was super skeptical (felt like every “credit repair” place was a scam), but I was desperate. Emailed [email protected] and called +1 (201) 605-9008 the same day. They responded in under 2 hours, explained everything clearly, no pressure, no insane upfront fees. In exactly 30 days they: Got the 90-day late permanently deleted from all three bureaus, removed every trace of the derogatory mark, Boosted my scores to 836 Equifax, 841 TransUnion, 837 Experian I just pulled fresh reports today to confirm the late is GONE. My scores are actually higher than they were before the drop. If you’re dealing with inaccurate student loan lates, Nelnet nonsense, or any unfair derogatory marks please don’t waste months fighting the bureaus and servicers yourself. Pinnacle knows exactly what to do and they move fast. Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 (201) 605-9008 Forever grateful. I’m posting this far and wide so others don’t have to suffer like I did.

Posted by Jacklyn | November 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair

Achieve Excellent Credit

I reached out to several Credit Repair agencies before I contacted FIVE STAR CREDIT SPECIALIST. I must say from the start Kevin was very polite, professional and human. The previous company I heard from scared me to death, then insulted me about my credit score. He jumped right to the money before ex...plaining how it all works. I believe I found the right help with FIVE STAR CREDIT SPECIALIST. Kevin truly made me feel secure enough to begin this journey. Excited about my future with FIVE STAR CREDIT SPECIALIST. Thanks Kevin! Email: [email protected] or call +1 (786) 600-4813. This is my greatest life achievement.

Posted by Simon Goldenberg | July 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair

credit repair

I have had though time securing loans and I have been trying to increase my credit score but it has not been going as planned. I have lots of past due debt, and my Credit cards that have been poor. Several small loans of 600 to 900 dollars each I am still trying to pay off, how can I fix this? will I... get my SSDI back pay soon to my plan is to fix my credit. how do I talk these companies down, like pay just a little of what is owed? Where do I start? What do I do about the companies that I cannot afford to pay? These was the questions that clouded my mind, then I got to hear about SAFEPORT CREDIT SPECIALIST from a friend she told me how SAFEPORT CREDIT SPECIALIST help her and her company secure loads and monitor their credit up to date, so I made my research and got to see more about SAFEPORT CREDIT SPECIALIST on Quora and Reddit, then contacted them. They helped me raise my score to 771 fico score, got access to loan, help me through the process of paying all my debt, also help me secure loans. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I am now back on track financially. I recommend their services for anyone in need of credit fix. They’re affordable and easy to work with. Hit him up by email: [email protected] Contact: +1 302-201-8667

Posted by David Brodman | July 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Credit Card Fraud

credit repair

I recently fell to credit card fraud, and someone unauthorized made several transactions without my knowledge or consent, resulting in a significant financial loss. Unfortunately, this incident negatively affected my credit score, and I was struggling to secure a loan. I was at a loss until I reache...d out to SAFEPORT CREDIT SPECIALIST. Their team was incredibly helpful, professional, and efficient in resolving my credit issues. They worked tirelessly to dispute the fraudulent transactions, repair my credit score, and guide me through the process of securing a loan. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I am now back on track financially. I highly recommend SAFEPORT CREDIT SPECIALIST to anyone facing similar challenges. Their services are unparalleled, and I am grateful for their help. Hit him up by email: [email protected] Contact: +1 302-201-8667

Posted by Farzad | September 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Immigration

Immigration case

I had a very disappointing experience with this immigration lawyer. After charging me $5,000, he only wrote a letter to immigration and provided no further assistance or follow-up on my case. I felt unsupported and neglected throughout the process. His employee, Christina S. Castro, was particularly ...rude and unfriendly, adding to the frustration. Based on my experience, I do not recommend hiring this lawyer if you want someone who genuinely cares about your case. Save your money and find someone more trustworthy.

See All Client Reviews

James Oliver Hacking III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Shawn Brian Hamp headshot
Shawn Hamp

Immigration lawyer | Apr 19

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 headshot
Najmeh Mahmoudjafari

Immigration lawyer | Dec 09

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 headshot
Kyce Siddiqi

Immigration lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Gary Karl Burger Jr. headshot
Gary Burger

Immigration lawyer | Aug 24

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 John Gonwa headshot
Thomas Gonwa

Unknown lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Mark Aaron Cantor headshot
Mark Cantor

Immigration lawyer | Feb 25

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 Weaver Glass III headshot
Benjamin Glass

Immigration lawyer | Oct 03

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 Christian Burns headshot
Jonathon Burns

Immigration lawyer | Aug 17

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 J. Bardol headshot
Stephen Bardol

Immigration lawyer | Jun 18

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 Dean Farrow headshot
Rickey Farrow

Personal injury lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Immigration lawyer | Aug 26

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 headshot
Mark Dean

Immigration lawyer | Aug 25

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 Edward Caldwell Jr. headshot
Robert Caldwell

Immigration lawyer | May 06

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 Tyson Mutrux headshot
Ross Mutrux

Immigration lawyer | Apr 25

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 Y. Mejer headshot
Andres Mejer

Immigration lawyer | Apr 22

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."

View All Endorsements
W. Scott Rose headshot
W. Scott Rose

Criminal defense lawyer

Najmeh Mahmoudjafari headshot
Najmeh Mahmoudjafari

Immigration lawyer

Gary Karl Burger Jr. headshot
Gary Burger

Personal injury lawyer

Mark Aaron Cantor headshot
Mark Cantor

Workers compensation lawyer

Benjamin Weaver Glass III headshot
Benjamin Glass

Personal injury lawyer

Stephen J. Bardol headshot
Stephen Bardol

Family lawyer

Azra Ahmad headshot
Azra Ahmad

Estate planning lawyer

Brian Joseph Malone headshot
Brian Malone

Litigation lawyer

Nedim Ramic headshot
Nedim Ramic

Personal injury lawyer

Debbie S. Champion headshot
Debbie Champion

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Vaughan R De Kirby headshot
Vaughan De Kirby

Immigration lawyer

Mark Dean headshot
Mark Dean

Car accident lawyer

Robert Edward Caldwell Jr. headshot
Robert Caldwell

Criminal defense lawyer

Ross Tyson Mutrux headshot
Ross Mutrux

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven J Richardson headshot
Steven Richardson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Andres Y. Mejer headshot
Andres Mejer

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Best Lawyer in St. Louis, Riverfront Times

2010

F. Wm. McCalpin Pro Bono Award, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri

2009

Eugene H. Buder Award, ACLU of Eastern Missouri

2004

Best Lawyer in St. Louis, Riverfront Times

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Member, Hacking Law Practice, LLC

2009 - 2010

Lecturer, St. Louis University School Of Law

2006 - 2008

Member, Tonkin & Mondl, LC

1999 - 2006

Associate, Tonkin & Mondl, LC

1997 - 1999

Associate, Riezman & Blitz, PC

1992 - 1997

Law Clerk, Gray & Ritter, LC

Associations

2008 - Present

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

1998 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

Missouri Bar

Member

1997 - Present

Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Member

1997 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Wilson v. Beers

Defendant's Motions Denied

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Saint Louis University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Saint Louis University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Welcoming the Stranger

Refugees and Immigrants

2017

The End of DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

2017

Public Radio

The End of DACA

2016

University of Missouri - St. Louis

Immigration 101

2016

Southern Illinois University

From Student Visa to Green Card Holder

2014

Guest Speaker

What International students need to know about immigration law

2012

American Inns of Court

Client Relations

Publications

2017

Saint Louis Bar Journal The Times They Are a Changin'

1997

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?”

Languages

English

Bosnian

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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