Atty. James Douglas Cottrell

Atty. James Douglas Cottrell

James Douglas Cottrell is a lawyer practicing land use and environmental law, real estate, probate and estate planning and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years.

Champaign Champaign 43 yrs experience 43 year
Call (217) 305-7971 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James Douglas Cottrell at a glance

James Douglas Cottrell is a Member based in Champaign, Illinois, practicing at James D. Cottrell Law Office, P.C.. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on probate, estate planning, employment, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1983), U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit (1986), and U.S. Supreme Court (1987). Educated at Drake University (J.D., 1982) and University of Illinois (B.S. Finance, 1979). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Champaign County Bar Association Illinois Bar Association American Bar Association. Serands clients in Champaign, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James Douglas Cottrell is a lawyer practicing land use and environmental law, real estate, probate and estate planning and 5 other areas of law
  • James received a B.S. degree from University of Illinois in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years
  • James practices at James D. Cottrell Law Office, P.C. in Champaign, IL

Practice Areas Explained

James Douglas Cottrell's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Douglas Cottrell handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Probate

James Douglas Cottrell is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Illinois →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

James Douglas Cottrell is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Illinois →

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

James Douglas Cottrell is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Illinois →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James Douglas Cottrell is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

James Douglas Cottrell is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Champaign are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Champaign or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James Douglas Cottrell

Where is James Douglas Cottrell's law office located?
James Douglas Cottrell's law practice is located in Champaign, Illinois. The firm is James D. Cottrell Law Office, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Douglas Cottrell handle?
James Douglas Cottrell focuses on probate, estate planning, employment, business, real estate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has James Douglas Cottrell practiced law?
James Douglas Cottrell has 43+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1983.
Where did James Douglas Cottrell go to law school?
James Douglas Cottrell earned their education at (J.D., 1982); (B.S. Finance, 1979).
How can I contact James Douglas Cottrell for a consultation?
You can contact James Douglas Cottrell directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Douglas Cottrell received?
James Douglas Cottrell's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
Drake University
- 1982
B.S. Finance
University of Illinois
- 1979

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Admitted: 1983
U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois and U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Admitted: 1986
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1987

Reviews

4.0
3 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.