$ 400-525 per hour
James Kasper Ulwelling
also known as Jim Ulwelling
About James
Biography
James K. Ulwelling is the principal of Ulwelling Law, APC. His practice focuses on real estate, community association law, and business litigation. Previously, Jim was one of the founding partners of Ulwelling | Siddiqui LLP and a partner at Morris Polich & Purdy, LLP (now merged with Clark Hill). Jim has been lead trial counsel in numerous lawsuits and arbitrations over the years, where he has exhibited skills in courtroom strategy, critical analysis and sophisticated advocacy. Jim is frequently engaged by other attorneys, and has served as a testifying expert witness in legal malpractice actions.
Jim is actively engaged with professional groups serving the real estate, community association and business communities. He is a member of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of California and the Community Associations Institute, Orange County Chapter. He is a featured speaker for groups such as the Community Associations Institute, Chapman University School of Law, the Employer Advisory Council of Orange County, and the Orange County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Orange County Bar Association, and numerous commercial and residential real estate brokerages. He has served on the Publications Committee and the Mediation Committee for the Community Associations Institute. Jim has been published in periodicals and trade journals such as California Law Business, The Law Journal and OC View.
Jim received an undergraduate degree in Political Science from UCLA, where he received recognition on the Dean's List. In 1994, he earned his J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law, where he served as Associate Editor of the Santa Clara Law Review. He subsequently completed additional training as a mediator through the Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations and actively served as a community volunteer mediator.
Jim has resided in Orange County since 1998. He lives in Irvine. He enjoys camping and traveling with his family, as well as swimming, hiking, gardening, fishing and UCLA sports.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Real Estate
40%
32 years
Business
25%
32 years
Lawsuits and Disputes
25%
32 years
Construction and Development
10%
32 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
20%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Ulwelling Law, APC
600 Anton Boulevard, Suite 640, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
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James Kasper Ulwelling's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
24 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | Recommendation
Posted by Alex | September 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Client
James is the best real estate/HOA attorney we've dealt with. He is experienced and knowledgeable. He always stays on top of the matter and updates us quickly with well thought out recommendations. Great work, great communication, firm with our opponent, but fair. Highly recommended.
Posted by Mark B. | August 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Debt Settlement
Awesome Representation
It is rare that I take the time to write a review for anything. However James Ulwelling is an outstanding Lawyer. I had been trying to come to an agreement with a loan servicing company regarding my second mortgage, they would simply bombard me with papers full of legal jargon that was difficult to ...
Posted by Wynn | May 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Recommendation
I was the executor of a very challenging and complex estate legal matter. From start to successful conclusion Jim was an absolute pleasure to work with. He was at all times very responsive, professional, knowledgable, focused, strategic and highly organized. I have the utmost respect for how effect...
Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Exceptional -- Took Our RE Transaction from Idea to Execution
Without reservation, I highly recommend Jim. He negotiated a tricky real estate purchase for us, and was exceptional at dealing with not only the transnational side of things, but also gracefully handling the Seller, who was very emotionally attached to the property. I have been through numerous re...
Posted by anonymous | September 22, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Outstanding lawyer -- Successfully defended us against a multi-million dollar breach of contract lawsuit
I highly recommend Jim Ulwelling of Ulwelling Siddiqui LLP. He successfully defended my business partner and me against a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging breach of contract and other causes of action. Jim was consistently able to deliver powerful, convincing arguments which ultimately succeed...
James Kasper Ulwelling's Lawyer Endorsements
"I fully and completely endorse this lawyer. James is not only a very nice person but also a fantastic attorney. I handled a long cause business litigation matter with James and his firm as opposing counsel and although we certainly did not agree on everything, they were nothing but ethical and professional. I would not hesitate to have James and his firm handle any type of litigation matter and would recommend him without any reservation whatsoever. Attorney Lauren Saint, an associate in the firm is also deserving of praise as as well. In almost 30 years of practice I have seen few attorneys such as Lauren. Her knowledge of the law is vast and she is on point, which is a real advantage."
"Jim is trustworthy and an excellent lawyer. He cares for his clients and provides quality service at competitive rates."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ulwelling served as an expert witness in a legal malpractice action. His knowledge of the applicable law was only matched by his presentation skills."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Ulwelling has a rare ability to present legal argument in an incisive, direct, persuasive and compelling manner. He is able to resolve issues by applying a combination of careful legal reasoning and practical experience to any fact pattern he encounters. His clients always seem to have a feeling of great comfort and support, as he works diligently for them without losing approachability. Jim is a fine advocate, counselor and teacher; a true asset to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jim for several years now, and not only is he a great attorney, but a great guy as well. I have worked with Jim on a few different matters, and we have brainstormed together on real estate and mortgage related legal issues. Jim has a deep knowledge of real estate law and interrelated areas of law, and he has the ability to convey that knowledge in a simple and effective manner for his clients. I have recommended and will continue to recommend Jim to prospective clients in need of his services."
"I met Jim through a real estate dispute. Jim's representation of his client's interests was highly professional, knowledgeable, and level-headed. Where our respective clients' interests aligned, Jim was quick to join our efforts to achieve the best results possible, including a full dismissal for his client."
"James was worthy adversary. Knowledgeable, fair and trustworthy. our clients may not have got along - but James and I were able to work out thier differences to thier mutual benefits!"
"I am a trial attorney specializing in serious injury cases. From time to time, I have real estate questions, either for my own account or for my clients. Jim is my "go to guy" for all real estate matters. I can always count on him to offer a well-reasoned, practical and thorough analysis. I have known Jim for at least five years. I highly value his advice and recommendations, and will continue to refer real estate matters to him with great confidence."
"I have consulted with and worked with Jim Ulwelling on various real estate and litigation matters. He is very intelligent, knowledgable, dedicated, and professional. I strongly endorse Jim as a lawyer and for your legal needs. Robert Petrokofsky, Esq."
"I worked opposite Jim on a messy LLC dissolution. To say relations between our clients were poor would be an understatement, but we were able to successfully resolve the matter thanks in no small part to Jim's professionalism and negotiating skill. Also, Jim's just a really nice guy. I'd recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jim Ulwelling as both a good friend and as an attorney in the legal community for at least 7 years. Jim excels at both. I have referred a number of my clients to Jim to handle business issues and real property issues, and I have always received glowing reviews of Jim's legal work. In my opinion, I believe that the quality of Jim's work greatly exceeds what he charges his clients, and I truly believe that his legal work is a bargain to his clients. He exemplifies "big firm knowledge and expertise, small firm cost." Moreover, personally knowing Jim, I can state that Jim truly cares about his clients and about the quality of his work, and his long hours every week is a testament to that. Aside from his legal acumen, Jim is also a truly ethical, professional attorney and a dedicated family man. He personifies what an attorney should be."
"I endorse this lawyer's work wholeheartedly. Jim Ulwelling is a very knowledgeable real estate and business litigation attorney. He has extensive trial experience, is highly skilled with negotiation, aggressive and professional, scholarly with research, trustworthy, and always available for clients. He communicates clearly, analyzes with precision, formulates persuasive arguments, and sees the big picture. Jim is straight forward with clients, opposing counsel, and all he comes into contact with. He practices his profession with integrity and the highest ethical standards and is highly regarded in the legal community. I have had the opportunity to work with Jim Ulwelling on several matters in the past and would highly recommend Jim Ulwelling."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Jim for several years now and consider him one of the best attorneys that I know. I consider it a privilege to have worked with him on various legal matters. I have referred him cases so I have first hand knowledge of his abilities and quality of legal service. He has a steady and thoughtful approach to any matter brought to him. He is very personable and sympathetic to his clients’ concerns and a master at directing their focus on the legal issues that are affecting them and how he can help. If anyone has issues in the area of Real Estate or Home Owner Association law or Business Litigation, then Jim is the “go to” guy."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked on a complex federal class action with Mr. Ulwelling. He demonstrated superior lawyering skills and I would highly reccommend him on any matter."
Andrew Pomerantz
Business lawyer
Jonathan Hatfield
Litigation lawyer
Tahamtan Nematbakhsh
Real estate lawyer
Sean Kading
Litigation lawyer
Robert Beggs
Real estate lawyer
Robert Petrokofsky
Litigation lawyer
James Kidston
Business lawyer
Susan Katzen
Estate planning lawyer
Gerald Maggio
Family lawyer
Jeffrey Matsen
Estate planning lawyer
James Bohm
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Top Attorneys in California, California Super Lawyers
2020
Top Attorneys in California, California Super Lawyers
2002
Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service, Community Associate Institute Orange County Regional Chapter
1997
Certificate of Appreciation for Commitment to the Community, Dispute Resolution Program Services
1994
Law Review, Santa Clara University School of Law
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Principal/CEO, Ulwelling Law, APC
2004 - 2004
Partner, Morris Polich & Purdy LLP
2004 - 2019
Partner, Ulwelling | Siddiqui LLP
1998 - 2004
Associate Attorney, Morris, Polich & Purdy LLP
1996 - 1998
Community Mediator, Santa Clara County Office of Human Relations Dispute Resolution Institute
1996 - 1996
Panel Mediator, Santa Clara County Bar Association Coordinated Court-Related ADR Service
1995 - 1998
Associate Attorney, Nagle, Bustamante & O'Hara
1994 - 1995
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Jeffrey P. Widman
Associations
2004 - Present
Community Associations InstituteAffiliate Member
1998 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Real Estate Law SectionMember
1994 - Present
State Bar of California, Real Property Law SectionMember
1990 - Present
UCLA Alumni AssociationMember
2009 - 2014
Center ClubBen Franklin Forum
2004 - 2004
Community Associations InstituteMediation Committee
2004 - 2007
California Associations InstitutePublications Committee
2000 - 2014
California Association of Community ManagersAffiliate Member
1998 - 1998
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationADR Executive Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Zelada v. Magdesian
Obtained defense judgment after trial and prevailed on client's cross complaint against plaintiff
Loekman v. Cheng
Obtained defense judgment after trial
Commercial lease negotiation
Succesfully negotiated long-term lease with retail chain of shoe stores, significantly enhancing value of client's property
Ochoa v. Elite Slides
Successful defense resulting in unconditional case dismissal
Mohamed Saiful Islam v. Mahfuz Alam, et al.
Summary judgment motion granted
Daisy Leminh Vu Do v. Dean Van Bastelaar
Arbitration award of specifc performance confirmed by court
Kahman v. Sea Harbour Homeowners Association
Won defense judgment in case against HOA
Confidential Plaintiff v. Confidential HOA
Confidential mid six-figure settlement paid to plaintiff
Myers v. The Retreat Homeowners Association
Judgment ordering court-supervised elections entered in favor of plaintiffs
Confidential purchase of historic residential property in Culver City, California
Successful pursuit, negotiation and closing on historic residential property
Clemente v. Lajtay
Defendant neighbor sold home and moved away
Brentwood Legal Services v. Corilant
Judgment of dismissal entered in favor of defendant
Purchase of residential property in Temecula, California by institutional trustee of special needs trust
Facilitated successful closing of home in Temucula for beneficiary of special needs trust
Compton v. Riverside County Sheriff's Department
Award of $890,100
Shearer v. A-1 Pool & Spa, LLC
Commercial property deeded to client in exchange for dismissal
RBS Citizens, N.A. v. Medigovich
Bank dismissed lawsuit against borrowers upon receipt of letter demand
Harriman v. Sunfield Financial (Appeal)
Appeal by opposing party voluntarily dismissed after briefs filed
DeFrancesco v. Sustayta
Defendant agreed to sell property to plaintiff buyer within two months of filing complaint
Screen Actors Guild, Inc. v. Beauty Shop, LLC
Won motion vacating judgment against film director
Alegria v. Burbidge
Obtained judgment of dismissal after successful FRCP 12(b)(6) motion
Wong v. Meridias Capital, Inc.
Gained dismissal prior to first court hearing
Yonekura v. Kealy
Won arbitration award against contractor
Midwood Manor v. Mitchell
Ended longstanding dispute by gaining homeowner's compliance with association's architectural requirements
Harriman v. Sunfield Financial
Obtained judgment of dismissal prior to trial
Ali v. Habashi
Achieved favorable settlement on eve of trial
DeSalvo v. Buca di Beppo
Won jury verdict for $227,000
Valdez v. Desert View
Obtained arbitration award requiring return of buyer's deposit
Hann v. Lam
Obtained arbitration award compelling release of buyer's deposit to seller
Regions Bank v. Legaspi
Obtained bank's dismissal of lawsuit against borrower
Chow v. Sea Harbour Homeowners Association
Prevailed at trial against group of homeowners
Bellagio Jewelry, Inc. v. Croton Watch Company, Inc.
Obtained judgment of $831,274 following trial
Education
1994
Santa Clara University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Univ of California at Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Luncheon
ADA Legal Overview
2014
2012
Seminar
Anti-Deficiency Laws and Short Sales
2006
Luncheon
Employer Civil Liability for Holiday Parties
2005
Guest Lecturer
Mediation
2004
Luncheon
Significant Trends and Cases Affecting the Architect
2004
Luncheon
Design Zone: ADA, Accidents and Arbitration
2003
Luncheon
Hollywood Esquires: A Legal Gameshow
2002
Luncheon
Priceless Legal Advice
1998
Guest Lecturer
Community Based vs. Commercial Mediation
Publications
2012
California Association of Community Managers (CACM) Law Journal
Fannie Mae Shortens the Short Sale Process . . . and Other Changes to Come
2010
California Association of Community Managers (CACM) Law Journal
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FNMA, FHA, VHA - Oh My!
2010
California Association of Community Managers (CACM) Law Journal
2011 Legislative Update
2005
OC View
Legal Update: AB 1836 - Dispute Resolution Process
2005
OC View
Case Update: Emerald Bay v. Golden Eagle
2004
OC View
A Primer on the Formation and Functions of Committees
2003
OC View
Directors' Liability for Failing to Fund Reserves
2003
OC View
Legislative Update: AB 2546
2000
California Association of Community Managers (CACM) Law Journal
Recent Cases: Summary and Analysis
1999
California Law Business
Drop in the Bucket
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers