James Hansen
Co-Founder and CEO
James Hansen is a driven entrepreneur with a deep passion for building and scaling businesses. Growing up in Arizona as one of 12 children, James learned the value of independence and hard work early on, starting with paper routes and odd jobs by age 10. After graduating high school, he spent two years serving a church mission in São Paulo, Brazil, which helped shape his leadership and communication skills.
Returning to Arizona, James began his career in banking but soon realized that traditional employment wasn’t the right path for him. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to the insurance industry, where he quickly rose to the top of his company’s sales ranks. This success ignited his desire to create something of his own, and he went on to build an independent insurance agency. His achievements in insurance opened new doors, and by 2007, he delved into digital marketing, recognizing the power of online presence for business growth.
As he transitioned into digital marketing, James expanded his expertise by helping local businesses, including law firms, optimize their client acquisition strategies during challenging economic times. His deep understanding of business operations, combined with a talent for digital marketing, eventually led him to the legal industry.
In 2021, when Arizona began allowing non-lawyers to own law firms, James seized the opportunity to co-found Genesis Legal Group, specializing in complex family law cases. Under his leadership, the firm grew to include 23 attorneys, focusing on high-asset divorces and business owner divorces. One of James’s core beliefs is that a successful firm is built on a strong culture where both clients and team members feel valued. For clients, this means a focus on the entire legal process, not just the outcome, while for his team, it’s about fostering growth, support, and belonging.
James is a hands-on leader, deeply committed to empowering others to succeed. His leadership philosophy centers on providing the tools and opportunities for his team to thrive, which he believes drives the firm’s success.
Outside of work, James is an avid mountain biker, tackling 100-mile rides across Arizona’s rugged terrain. To him, mountain biking reflects the perseverance required in business—the uphill climbs represent the challenges, while the downhill rides are the rewarding results. He also cherishes spending time with his wife and five children, enjoying activities such as camping, traveling, and serving in their church.
James Hansen’s journey from a paperboy to a successful law firm owner exemplifies his entrepreneurial mindset, his dedication to personal and professional growth, and his belief in the power and joy of helping others succeed.