Atty. James Ray Cottrell
Phi Delta Phi. Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 1989-2012.
Appeals & More Attorney · Serving Alexandria, VA · 49+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James Ray Cottrell at a Glance
James Ray Cottrell is a President based in Alexandria, Virginia, practicing at Cottrell Fletcher & Cottrell PC. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Their practice focuses on family law, litigation, and appellate. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1977) and District of Columbia (1979). Educated at T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond (J.D., 1977) and Virginia Military Institute (B.A., 1974). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Alexandria, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James Ray Cottrell
- Phi Delta Phi
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 1989-2012
- Co-Author, Swisher, Diehl and Cottrell, "Virginia Family Law: Theory and Practice," West Publishing, 1991 (supplemented and revised annually)
Practice Areas Explained
James Ray Cottrell's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Ray Cottrell handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Alexandria.
Family Law in Alexandria
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
James Ray Cottrell is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Virginia →
Civil Litigation in Alexandria
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
James Ray Cottrell is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Virginia →
Appellate Practice in Alexandria
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
James Ray Cottrell is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Alexandria
Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Alexandria are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Alexandria Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Alexandria-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Alexandria or all attorneys in Virginia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Alexandria Choose James Ray Cottrell
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Ray Cottrell's practice in the field of family law, litigation, and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James Ray Cottrell brings 49+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Virginia and District of Columbia, James Ray Cottrell can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering family law, litigation, and appellate, James Ray Cottrell can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Alexandria
A Alexandria-based practice means James Ray Cottrell attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues James Ray Cottrell Handles in Alexandria
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Ray Cottrell has experience with under Virginia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Ray Cottrell directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find James Ray Cottrell Online
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James Ray Cottrell's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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