$ 200-200 per hour
James Oliver Hacking III
About James
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Immigration
100%
20 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-33%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 27 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 28 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1997
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
227 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Immigration (99)
Credit Repair (95)
Debt Settlement (30)
Bankruptcy & Debt (29)
Debt Collection (23)
Lawsuits & Disputes (16)
Administrative Law (9)
Consumer Protection (7)
Landlord & Tenant (7)
Computer Fraud (6)
Securities & Investment Fraud (6)
Expungement (5)
Debt & Lending Agreements (3)
Asylum (2)
Credit Card Fraud (2)
Foreclosure (2)
Litigation (2)
Residential (2)
Tax (2)
Civil Rights (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Family (1)
Privacy (1)
Probate (1)
Real Estate (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (164)
Recommendation (129)
Practice Area Knowledge (96)
Advocacy (58)
Professionalism (43)
Responsiveness (41)
General Knowledge (33)
Trustworthiness (31)
Communication Style (30)
Character & Conduct (28)
Cost of Services (25)
Staff & Support (22)
Compassion (14)
Payment Plans (6)
Free Consultations (5)
Punctuality (4)
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 reviews | Staff & Support
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...
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 ...
Posted by Larry Winkler | July 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Credit Repair
Credit Repair
When trying to get your credit fixed or any long time negative reports on your credit taken down ,you should reach out to CLASSICREPAIR4U at Gmail .com . They’d give you exactly what you asked for within a short period of time without hesitation and the team is so welcoming and humble .. will make s...
Posted by Olatunji | October 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Thanks for fighting for immigrants!
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 t...
Posted by Yu | October 14, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Glad to have hired Mr. Hacking
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 act...
James Oliver Hacking III's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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!"
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Jim sets the standard for immigration attorneys. I refer clients to Jim without hesitation and strongly endorse him."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Jim is the best immigration lawyer I know in St. Louis. I refer him all immigration clients that come through my office."
"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."
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Experience
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 AssociationMember
1998 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Missouri BarMember
1997 - Present
Bar Association of Metropolitan St. LouisMember
1997 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Wilson v. Beers
Defendant's Motions Denied
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
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
After passing our interview, we have been stuck on background check for a year now . What do we do ?
04 Apr 2018
Q&A
How long does it take to get an email or text message from USCIS after mailing AOS based on marriage to USC package ?
22 Apr 2013