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James Charles Shields
also known as Chas Shields
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About James
Biography
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.
We Promise To Represent Your Interests With Integrity and Diligence. Call 310-878-4496.
OVER TWENTY YEARS OF CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVING SUPERIOR RESULTS
OVER TWENTY YEARS OF CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVING SUPERIOR RESULTS
OVER TWENTY YEARS OF CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVING SUPERIOR RESULTS
OVER TWENTY YEARS OF CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVING SUPERIOR RESULTS
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
25%
31 years
Bankruptcy and Debt
20%
Probate
20%
31 years
Trusts
13%
31 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
8
2014
Licenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in Arizona for 30 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in Oregon for 30 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of James Charles Shields
21707 Hawthorne Blvd Ste 204, Torrance, CA, 90503
shieldslaw.netGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James Charles Shields's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
James Is Good
He doesn't state the obvious, like 'get a lawyer'. Some of us cannot afford a lawyer. He gives advice the way old-school lawyers do - and that's good. Straight to the point.
Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
The very best!
James is an excellent attorney, and I cannot recommend him more highly. He's as old as the hills, so he knows the law better than anybody, being one of the founding fathers of modern jurisprudence. He took care of all my needs with patience, competence, and assurance, and secured me a fantastic settl...
Posted by Laurie | January 13, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Thank you
Thank you for your quick honest help. Thank you for going above and beyond and giving me a link to the information I needed, the forms to fill out my self in this tough time.
Posted by Beatriz | June 11, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Responsive and Knowledgeable Professional
I enthusiastically endorse Mr. Shields for your legal needs and questions. I find Mr. Shields very responsive, knowledgeable, and attentive. I needed a legal question answered the same day and he took my call and was very careful to make sure I understood the best option for my particular case. If yo...
Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 2012
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, an...
James Charles Shields's Lawyer Endorsements
"It is clear from James' education, experience and responses on AVVO that he is a knowledgeable and capable advocate who cares about his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer based upon his contributions on Avvo. Mr. Shields provides competent resources for those requesting information on Avvo that should enable them to answer simple inquiries quickly, but has also demonstrated his significant expertise in the field of estate planning for clients who require legal representation in this area."
"I endorse this lawyer as a respected member of the legal community. His answers provide the Asker with the pertinent information they need."
"James gives detailed responses explaining probate issues and presents as a knowledgeable probate attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer, because if the level of knowledge and professionalism he displays on this forum."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"James is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Best Answers, AVVO
2014
Client's Choice Bankruptcy, AVVO
2014
Top Contributor Award, AVVO
2014
Certificate of Appreciation, South Bay Bar Association
2011
Volunteers "The Heart of the Program", Los Angeles Superior Court
1996
Admited to Pracice, United States District Court
1996
Admitted to Pratice, Supreme Court of California
1973
Dean's List, Univesity of California Dominguez Hills
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices Of James C. Shields
1996 - 1998
Attorney, Law Offices of Robert G. Winterbotham
Associations
2014 - Present
ARAGNetwork Attorney
2013 - Present
Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Mediation PanelSettlement Officer
2013 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationSettlement Officer
2010 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section, Probate and Trust CommitteeSettlement Officer
2006 - Present
American Society of Tax Problem SolversAttorney Member
2001 - Present
Westmont North Homeowners AssociationVice President
1997 - Present
United States Tax CourtAttorney Member
1996 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysAttorney Member
1996 - Present
South Bay Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1996 - Present
Federal Trial BarAttorney Member
1996 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaAdmitted
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney
1996 - Present
Oregon State BarAttorney Member
1996 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaAttorney
1995 - Present
Salvation Army Advisory BoardTreasurer
1995 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1990 - Present
UCLA Alumni AssociationMember
2010 - 2011
Trinity Lutheran ChurchPresident
2010 - 2012
Accountant-Lawyer Alliance (ALA)Atorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
In re Josephine Blom
Plus $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 Trust
Plus $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 Trustees
Multiple petitions and proposed plans confirmed
Education
1985
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
University of California - Los Angeles
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1973
Calif St Univ Dominguez Hills
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2015
Law Day
Probate Law
2014
Ask a Lawyer
Probate Law
2013
Ask a Lawyer
Bankruptcy
2012
Law Day
Bankruptcy
2011
Law Day
Bankruptcy
2010
Law Day
Estate Planning
2006
South Bay Bar Association
Crossover Issues in Family Law, Probate and Bankruptcy
Publications
2014
Individual Guide to Consumer Bankruptcy
The Bankruptcy Process Simplified
2012
Legal Blog
Law Firm Blog
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
James earned significant contribution points in 2024.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My sister and i own a house, I want to sell and she doesn't. What are my options if she cannot afford to buy me out?
19 Dec 2024
Q&A
What are the steps to sell my father’s house because he is in jail ?
18 Dec 2024
Q&A
Can the executor change someone's trust from a revocable living trust to a "Special Needs" trust?
19 Dec 2024