Practice Areas
Education
University of Miami School of Law, L.L.M. (Estate Planning), 2002
Howard University School of Law, J.D., 1994
University of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1989
Honors
Named to US News Best Lawyers in America – Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers (2011-2021)
Named Lawyer of the Year in Litigation - Trusts and Estates for San Antonio by US News Best Lawyers in America in 2020
Named among the Best Lawyers – Trust and Estate Litigation by San Antonio Scene Magazine (2006, 2008, 2009, 2011-2015, 2017)
Bar Admissions
Texas
Florida
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas
U.S. District Court for the Southern and Northern Districts of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Profile
James McNeel maintains a fiduciary litigation practice exclusively in the areas of estates, trusts, contested guardianships, and other related litigation. Jim handles claims by and against estate administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, and closely held family businesses in all areas relating to estate, trust, guardianship, and tax-related litigation.
Presentations
- Fiduciary Case Law Update, Strasburger’s Tax Symposium (November 2017)
- Fiduciary Litigation, Strasburger’s Tax Symposium (November 2016)
- Hot Topics in Trust & Estate Litigation, Rio Grande Valley Chapter of CPAs (October 2014)
Publications
- Featured in the 2007 San Antonio Business Journal article on Will Contests
- Featured in San Antonio Business Journal article – Financial Planning
Professional Affiliations
- Federal Bar Association, Member
- San Antonio Bar Association, Litigation Committee Member, Elder Law Committee Member
- Dade County Bar Association, Probate and Guardianship Committee Member
- San Antonio Estate Planners Council, Member
- North Chamber of Commerce, Board Member (2009-2011)
- St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Mentor (2014)
- Sunday School Volunteer (2007-2008)
- McNay Art Museum, Member
- Lake Canyon Yacht Club, Board Member, Co-General Counsel (2009-2011)
- YMCA Adventure Guides Tribe – Mission Belles Chief (2008-2010)
- San Pedro Playhouse, Board of Trustees (2008-2010)
- SAMM Homeless Shelter, Volunteer (2008-2009)
- North Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lab Graduate (2007)
- Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer (2006)
- Southwest Biomedical Research Foundation, Member
News
News
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka attorneys are ranked in Appellate, Commercial Litigation, Construction, Corporate, Criminal Defense, Employee Benefits, Energy, Immigration, Insurance, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Real Estate, Tax, and Trust & EJune 22, 2021
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka Attorneys Named to US News – 2021 Best Lawyers in America®, Three Attorneys Recognized as Lawyer of the YearAugust 20, 2020
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka Attorneys Recognized by San Antonio Scene MagazineSan Antonio Scene Magazine, August 3, 2020
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka Tax Alert - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Tax IssuesMay 21, 2020
- November 6, 2019
- August 15, 2019
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka again named a "Best Law Firm" by US NewsNovember 1, 2018
- October 26, 2018
- Peer Ranked in Construction, Eminent Domain, Employee Benefits (ERISA), Government Relations, Immigration, Litigation - Construction, Litigation - Trusts & Estates, Tax, Tax Litigation & Controversy, Trademark, Trusts & EstatesSeptember 18, 2018
- Chamberlain Hrdlicka Continues to Expand its San Antonio Presence, Hires James McNeel as ShareholderMarch 2018
- December 2017
Presentations
Seminars & Presentations
- February 13, 2020
- Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, November 6, 2019
- Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, November 28, 2018