Atty. Michael S. James

Atty. Michael S. James

Michael S. James is a lawyer practicing mineral title, mineral law, oil and gas law and 2 other areas of law.

Bakersfield Bakersfield 23 yrs experience 23 year
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Mineral Law & More Attorney · Serving Bakersfield, CA · 23+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael S. James at a Glance

Michael S. James is a Denbury Resources Inc. based in Bakersfield, California. They have 23+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2003. Their practice focuses on probate, real estate, and energy. Admitted to practice in Wyoming (2003), Kansas (2003), and North Dakota (2012). Educated at Lewis and Clark School of Law (J.D., 2001) and University of Kansas (B.A., 1994). Serves clients in Bakersfield, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael S. James

  • Michael S. James is a lawyer practicing mineral title, mineral law, oil and gas law and 2 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Kansas in 1994, and has been licensed for 23 years
  • Michael practices in Bakersfield, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Michael S. James's Areas of Legal Practice

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

Probate in Bakersfield

Michael S. James is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →

Real Estate Law in Bakersfield

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

Michael S. James is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Energy & Utilities Law in Bakersfield

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

Michael S. James is one of 35,985 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Bakersfield

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

Bakersfield Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Bakersfield-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 California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Bakersfield or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael S. James

Where is Michael S. James's law office located?
Michael S. James's law practice is located in Bakersfield, California. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael S. James handle?
Michael S. James focuses on probate, real estate, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael S. James practiced law?
Michael S. James has 23+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2003.
Where did Michael S. James go to law school?
Michael S. James earned their education at (J.D., 2001); (B.A., 1994).
How can I contact Michael S. James for a consultation?
You can contact Michael S. James 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.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Bakersfield Choose Michael S. James

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 Michael S. James's practice in the field of probate, real estate, and energy.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael S. James brings 23+ 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 Wyoming, Kansas, and North Dakota, Michael S. James can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering probate, real estate, and energy, Michael S. James can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Bakersfield

A Bakersfield-based practice means Michael S. James 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 Michael S. James Handles in Bakersfield

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael S. James has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael S. James directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael S. James Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Bakersfield 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 Michael S. James.

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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 Michael S. James directly.

Michael S. James's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Lewis and Clark School of Law
- 2001
B.A.
University of Kansas
- 1994

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Wyoming
Admitted: 2003
Kansas
Admitted: 2003
North Dakota
Admitted: 2012

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael S. James

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