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James Charles Shields

also known as Chas Shields
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Avvo Rating10
  • Torrance, CA
  • Licensed for 24 years
  • Free consultation

Legal guides written by James Shields

James Charles Shields
James Charles Shields
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About James

We Promise To Represent Your Interests With Integrity and Diligence. Call 310-878-4496.

Attorney James C. Shields provides high caliber, effective legal representation to clients all throughout Southern California. He focuses on select areas of law including bankruptcy, estate planning and probate and he has a proven track record under his belt. With decades of legal experience, Attorney Shields is admitted to practice law in California, Oregon and Arizona. He obtained his Juris Degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles back in 1984 and since then, he has opened up five separate law offices so that he can better serve Southern California residents. Attorney Shields assists clients with filing for bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, conservatorship, guardianships and much more. So let his experience work for you!  He puts focused attention and energy into every case so that you can obtain the most favorable outcome. Contact the firm today to request a free consultation and learn how Mr. Shields can help you build a brighter future. 

Practice areas

OtherWills and living willsEstate planningProbateBankruptcy and debt
  1. Bankruptcy and debt: 20%

    25 years

  2. Probate: 20%

    25 years

  3. Estate planning: 20%

    25 years

  4. Wills and living wills: 20%

    25 years

  1. Elder law: 15%

    25 years

  2. Family: 5%

    25 years

Languages spoken

English

Client's Choice 2014
Top Contributor 2014

Photos and videos

312867 1429814990

312867 1429815318

Contact

21707 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 204
address map

21707 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 204
Torrance, CA, 90503

Office (310) 540-6792

Website

http://www.shieldslaw.net

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive199601/20/2020
AZInactive 199604/12/2020
ORInactive199505/05/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers20532
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Best AnswersAVVO2015
Certificate of AppreciationSouth Bay Bar Association2014
Top Contributor AwardAVVO2014
Client's Choice BankruptcyAVVO2014
Volunteers "The Heart of the Program"Los Angeles Superior Court2011
Admited to PraciceUnited States District Court1996
Admitted to PraticeSupreme Court of California1996
Dean's ListUnivesity of California Dominguez Hills1973
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyLaw Offices Of James C. Shields1998 - Present
AttorneyLaw Offices of Robert G. Winterbotham1996 - 1998
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
ARAGNetwork Attorney2014 - Present
Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Mediation PanelSettlement Officer2013 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationSettlement Officer2013 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section, Probate and Trust CommitteeSettlement Officer2010 - Present
American Society of Tax Problem SolversAttorney Member2006 - Present
Westmont North Homeowners AssociationVice President2001 - Present
United States Tax CourtAttorney Member1997 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysAttorney Member1996 - Present
South Bay Bar AssociationAttorney Member1996 - Present
Federal Trial BarAttorney Member1996 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney1996 - Present
Oregon State BarAttorney Member1996 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaAttorney1996 - Present
Salvation Army Advisory BoardTreasurer1995 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member1995 - Present
UCLA Alumni AssociationMember1990 - Present
Trinity Lutheran ChurchPresident2010 - 2011
Accountant-Lawyer Alliance (ALA)Atorney Member2010 - 2012
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Individual Guide to Consumer BankruptcyThe Bankruptcy Process Simplified2014
Legal BlogLaw Firm Blog2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount UniversityJD - Juris Doctor1985
University of California - Los AngelesMBA - Master of Business Administration1975
Calif St Univ Dominguez HillsBS - Bachelor of Science1973
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Law DayProbate Law2015
Ask a LawyerProbate Law2014
Ask a LawyerBankruptcy2013
Law DayBankruptcy2012
Law DayBankruptcy2011
Law DayEstate Planning2010
South Bay Bar AssociationCrossover Issues in Family Law, Probate and Bankruptcy2006
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
In re Josephine BlomPlus $700,000 decision in favor of my client. Objection to appointment of private probate conservator of person and estate affirmed after multiple week trial on James C. Shields pleadings and argument.
In re James L. Meyer Revocable TrustPlus $1,000,000 decision in favor of my client. Petition to invalidate amendments granted after one week trial. Previous trust distribution to family of my client re-instated. Success based on oral argument and pleading by James C. Shields.
Multiple Chapter 13 Petitions Confirmed Over Objections By Creditors And TrusteesMultiple petitions and proposed plans confirmed

Reviews

(19)
5 Star
84%
4 Star
5%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
0%
Review James Shields

Outstanding Attorney

Posted by

Mr. Shields has made my case flow so easy and has taking great care of my case. He has provide great service and would recommend him to anyone. Five stars *****
James Shields' response: Thank you for the review. We strive to provide outstanding service to every client at every step.

Heartbroken Strength

Posted by

I had a very sensitive case dealing with a probate issue, and James was very supportive giving insightful information. His knowledge and expertise proved to be extremely helpful during a difficult time in my life losing a loved one. James and his team were diligent and professional in their efforts to settle the matters of my case as expeditiously and peacefully as possible. His care and concern were greatly appreciated.
James Shields' response: Rose; Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. Your case was challenging at times. Required much hard work and patience. I enjoyed working with you on this matter. While every matter is unique, we strive to provide outstanding service to every client at every step. No exceptions. Thank you for the review. Your kind words are greatly appreciated.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 2012

Posted by

The Law Offices of James Charles Shields are highly professional. At a young age, due to medical bills, and other unexpected life events, I accrued massive debt. I was harassed by bill collectors, and, yes, served for small claims and limited civil cases. I felt lost. But, through online research, and setting up an appointment with The Law Offices of James C Shields, I regained hope. I hired their legal services. I felt relief. They treated me not only as a client, but as if I was, i guess, you can say, family. They followed up on my case. Asked how i was. THEY TRULY CARED ABOUT ME. And during my Bankruptcy Court Trial, thanks to Shield's legal team, I was successfully discharged by the United States Bankruptcy Court. I am forever grateful to have hired the Law Offices of James C Shields. I recommend him and his legal team to whoever is considering filing Bankruptcy.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Thank you

Posted by

We spoke and he was helpful and answered my questions
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
James Shields' response: Thank you for your kind review.. I always try to provide thorough and helpful answers to questions.

Great advice.

Posted by

Mr. Shields answered the questions I needed answered in a professional manner. Unfortunately, I am in need of an attorney who will take a contingency case. If contingency wasn't my issue, he would be along side of me in court. Great consultation Mr. Shields. Thank you again. Highly recommended!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
James Shields' response: John; “Thank you for kindness and positive review. I was pleased to assist you. I try to provide exemplary service to everyone who contacts me.”

Awesome experience

Posted by

Going into this process it's scary and slightly embarrassing. Staff has made the process for me really smooth. They have answered all my questions and concerns. Robert is great and very knowledgeable and Evangelina has been very nice and helpful.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
James Shields' response: “Thank you for kindness and review. We are pleased to assist you. We appreciate that you were scared and embarrassed by the process. We will continue to provide exemplary service to everyone who contacts us.”

Mrs. Hernandez BK case

Posted by

Very professional and experienced, really made our experience flow very relaxed.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
James Shields' response: Ms. Hernandez; Thank you for kindness and review. We were honored to assist you. We try to provide exemplary service to everyone who contacts us.

Great advice on LLC laws

Posted by

I needed some guidance about my LLC taxes. Mr. Shields gave me a clear explanation of my situation, the laws involved and the cases that might happen. It was really helpful and now I can clearly understand the different options that I have.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

excellent

Posted by

i found mr shields to be professional. he answered my question. he followed up in a caring sensitive manner after i contacted him and i believe his advice to me is solid. i when i contact him with documents and details i have no doubts his advice will b most valuable. thank u mr shields.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
James Shields' response: Thank you for your kind words and favorable review. I will continue to provide highest level of service possible.

Kind & Uplifting

Posted by

Mr. Shields was available and helpful at all times. He made us feel informed rather than ignorant about laws regarding Trusts. With much appreciation we would give him 5 stars!
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
James Shields' response: Thank you for kindness and review. Pleased to assist. We try to provide exemplary service to everyone who contacts us.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(224)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Steven Perrigo, Social security Attorney on May 22, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer, because if the level of knowledge and professionalism he displays on this forum.

Lubna Jahangiri, Business Attorney on Apr 26, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

David Carrier, Elder law Attorney on Apr 14, 2020
Relationship: Other

With 30 years experience as an estate planning and elder law attorney, I have some idea how to evaluate other lawyers. I have been following Attorney Shields on AVVO for years and have found his advice to be the very best. It is a pleasure to be in a profession with someone as astute, perspicacious and insightful. Scoundrels with law degrees are easy to find, but attorneys and counselors like James Charles Shields are rare and to be treasured.

Kevin O'Leary, Family Attorney on Jan 30, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Brian Russ, Trusts Attorney on Sep 6, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Attorney Shields because of his knowledge and experience in the field. His answers here on the AVVO forum are extremely helpful and I appreciate his depth and breadth of knowledge.

Omid Afati, Litigation Attorney on Jul 9, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have read many of Mr. Shield's answers to probate questions on Avvo. I have found his advice to be sound and practical. I endorse this lawyer.

Gerald Dorfman, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on May 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I often find myself agreeing with his responses given to questions posted in the Avvo forum. Those who post there can expect nothing more than direct, thoughtful, accurate responses, and Mr. Shields delivers. Potential clients would do well to give him serious consideration.

Frank Chen

James Shields demonstrates extensive knowledge of California law. His responses on Avvo are remarkably thoughtful, articulate and accurate. I have tremendous respect for his sound legal knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge. He is a true asset to our legal community. It is my pleasure to endorse him.

Raymond Areshenko, Personal injury Attorney on Mar 21, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Stuart Steingraber, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Jun 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have read many of Mr. Shields' responses to posts on Avvo. His answers are accurate, concise and free of excessive legalese. His client reviews show his clients think highly of him. I endorse this lawyer.

Thomas Kelly, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on May 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Shields is highly experienced and knowledgeable in his field, and is a regular contributor to Avvo and dedicates a significant amount of his limited time to helping people answer questions in this area.

Walter Hnot,, Social security Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation.

Kris Crawford, Car accident Attorney on Mar 17, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Valet provides great advice to those in need. He takes time out of his day to answer questions on AVVO and point people in the right direction.

Channika Desilva, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Mar 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this attorney. His professionalism, remarkable knowledge and vast experience place Mr. Shields among the top notch lawyers in his areas of practice. With utmost dedication and quick critical thinking, he has successfully resolved an impressive number of cases over the course of his career. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation.

Peter Depew, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shields provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers.

Gregory Cade, Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney on Jan 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Mr. James is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity.

Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Real estate Attorney on Jan 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jared Gross, Personal injury Attorney on Aug 26, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Joshua Bannister, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2016
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

David Pittman, Car accident Attorney on Mar 22, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His answers to questions posed are very informative and well thought out.

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    Legal guides written by James Shields