James Randall Buikema, Attorney

When you have to defend yourself against the system, you’re in good hands with attorney James Buikema in your corner. In James, clients find the tenacity and determination of a successful Indianapolis criminal lawyer and family law attorney who approaches each case with compassion. Whether you’re facing criminal charges for the first time, are trying to keep past mistakes from following you, or need counsel in a divorce or other family matter, James Buikema gives each client individual attention, the benefit of his experience, and the assurance that he genuinely cares.

James Buikema brings a lifetime of caring for and helping others to his law practice. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in political science at Northern Illinois University, a program that provides its students with critical thinking skills while reinforcing social responsibility and public service. After graduation, he served one year as a volunteer for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), living and working on various community projects in Pembroke, North Carolina.

At the conclusion of his AmeriCorps service, James returned to DeKalb, Illinois, to study law at Northern Illinois University College of Law. His skills and focus on excellence earned him a coveted position as a writer and editor for the Northern Illinois University Law Review. During his last year of law school, he began developing his litigation skills by serving as a 711 law clerk—a law student licensed to represent clients—for the Cook County Public Defender, where he drafted and argued motions in court for indigent clients facing prosecution.

When James was admitted to the Indiana bar in 2017, he joined the staff of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. As deputy prosecutor, he first worked in the Child Support Division, helping enforce and modify child support orders and establish paternity under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act. He then moved to the Criminal Division, gaining crucial trial experience prosecuting both misdemeanors and felonies, such as operating while intoxicated, battery, domestic battery, and driving while suspended.

To fulfill his passion for serving others in the community and giving back, James joined Keffer Hirschauer LLP in August 2020. This Indianapolis criminal lawyer and family law attorney is now part of the firm’s premier Indianapolis criminal defense team, where he fights for the rights and freedoms of people accused of crimes. James uses his experience and insight into the prosecution of crimes to defend the rights of those who stand accused. He listens to clients to determine and work to meet their needs, and he derives deep satisfaction from being able to help. For clients who are facing criminal charges for the first time, James understands the stakes and works to find creative solutions to avoid lasting impacts on the client’s employment, family relationships, and future.

As an Indiana family law attorney, James’ practice also includes protecting his clients’ family interests. Child support clients are drawn to his deep experience in the Title IV-D Division of the MCPO, and all of his clients take comfort in his significant trial experience, dedication to his work, and approach of treating each client as an individual deserving of personal attention and customized legal strategies.

An Indiana family law attorney must be able to deal effectively with cases that are often fraught with emotion. Sometimes, family cases may involve safety issues, too. James is especially pleased when he can help facilitate an outcome that helps protect the client’s interests in that regard.

Criminal law and family law problems involve different skill and knowledge sets, but both need to be handled swiftly and effectively, and that requires experience and passion. James Buikema has both. As an Indianapolis criminal lawyer and Indiana family law attorney, he gives his clients the benefit of both his years of experience trying cases just like theirs and his determination to help them.

When not in the office or the courtroom, James unwinds by spending time with family, fishing, camping, or playing golf. These activities renew him, feed his legal creativity, and help refocus his efforts to protect his clients’ rights.

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
Northern Illinois University College of Law	J.D.	Law School	2016
Northern Illinois University	B.A.	Political Science	2012

State / Court	Date
Indiana	2017

• Indianapolis Bar Association, Member
  Hamilton County Bar Association, Member
  Hendricks County Bar Association, Member

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