Atty. James Robert Willis

Atty. James Robert Willis

James Robert Willis is a lawyer practicing trial practice, appellate practice, white collar crime and 2 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from West Virginia State College, and has been licensed for 73 years.

Cleveland Cleveland 73 yrs experience 73 year
Call (216) 716-7294 Book Appointment

Appellate Practice & More Attorney · Serving Cleveland, OH · 73+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James Robert Willis at a Glance

James Robert Willis is a criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and appellate attorney based in Cleveland, Ohio. They have 73+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1953. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1953) and U.S Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina (1989). Educated at Case Western Reserve University LL.B. (—) and West Virginia State College B.S. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Cleveland, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James Robert Willis

  • James Robert Willis is a lawyer practicing trial practice, appellate practice, white collar crime and 2 other areas of law
  • James received a B.S. degree from West Virginia State College, and has been licensed for 73 years
  • James practices in Cleveland, OH

Practice Areas Explained

James Robert Willis's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Robert Willis handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Cleveland.

Criminal Defense in Cleveland

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

James Robert Willis is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Ohio →

White Collar Crimes in Cleveland

James Robert Willis is one of 19,824 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Ohio →

Civil Litigation in Cleveland

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

James Robert Willis is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Ohio →

Appellate Practice in Cleveland

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

James Robert Willis is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Ohio →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Cleveland

Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Cleveland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio 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 Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Cleveland Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Cleveland-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 Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Cleveland or all attorneys in Ohio.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Robert Willis

Where is James Robert Willis's law office located?
James Robert Willis's law practice is located in Cleveland, Ohio. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Robert Willis handle?
James Robert Willis focuses on criminal defense, white collar, litigation, appellate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
How long has James Robert Willis practiced law?
James Robert Willis has 73+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1953.
Where did James Robert Willis go to law school?
James Robert Willis earned their education at (—); (—).
How can I contact James Robert Willis for a consultation?
You can contact James Robert Willis 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 Robert Willis received?
James Robert Willis's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Cleveland Choose James Robert Willis

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 Robert Willis's practice in the field of criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and appellate.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James Robert Willis brings 73+ 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 Ohio and U.S Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina, James Robert Willis can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering criminal defense, white collar, and litigation, James Robert Willis can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Cleveland

A Cleveland-based practice means James Robert Willis attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Search Reference

How People Find James Robert Willis Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Cleveland commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Robert Willis.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Robert Willis directly.

James Robert Willis's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

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Case Western Reserve University LL.B.
- In Progress
—
West Virginia State College B.S.
- In Progress

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Ohio
Admitted: 1953
U.S Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
Admitted: 1989

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Robert Willis

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