Overview

Jim counsels employers on federal and state wage and hour compliance and defends them in complex class and collective actions, as well as administrative proceedings.

With 44 years of experience, Jim brings deep knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour laws, and he serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Wage and Hour Practice Group. He is particularly experienced in supporting employers in the restaurant and food service industry, having spent two decades as General Counsel for the National Council of Chain Restaurants.

Jim advises employers on a wide range of labor and employment issues, including wage and hour standards, child labor laws, occupational safety and health regulations, and employment discrimination. He has successfully defended large chain restaurant employers in enforcement actions brought by the U.S. Department of Labor involving wage and hour, child labor, and OSHA claims. Today, Jim focuses much of his litigation practice on defending wage and hour class and collective actions across the country.

Jim has represented the chain restaurant industry before Congress on legislative issues involving the FLSA and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). His work with national trade associations and their member companies has provided him with valuable insight into the operational and compliance challenges facing the restaurant and food service sectors. Jim is a trusted resource for employers seeking practical, strategic guidance to navigate evolving labor and employment regulations.

Honors & Recognition

  • ALM’s Legal Leaders: Washington D.C. & Baltimore’s Top Rated Lawyers (2015)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2005-2022, 2024-2026)
  • Chambers USA Guide®
  • Virginia Super Lawyers® (2006-2012, 2014-2021)
  • Washington D.C. Super Lawyers® (2007, 2008, 2010-2012, 2015-2017)

  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence   

About Me

Jim is married with four children and five grandchildren.

Credentials

Education

Georgetown University

  • J.D., 1981

Florida State University

  • B.S., Government and International Affairs, magna cum laude, 1978

Media

News

Legal Analysis

Constangy Streaming

Professional & Civic Associations

Civic

  • Boy Scouts of America, Assistant Scoutmaster
  • Youth Sports Leagues, Coach for Baseball, Basketball and Soccer

Professional

  • American Bar Association
  • Fairfax Bar Association

Admissions

  • District of Columbia, 1981 
  • Virginia, 1987
  • Supreme Court of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals - Third Circuit, Fourth Circuit, Sixth Circuit, Ninth Circuit, Eleventh Circuit, D.C. Circuit
  • District of Columbia Court of Appeals 
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims  
  • U.S. District Court - VA - E.D., W.D.
  • U.S. District Court - WI - E.D.
  • U.S. District Court - IL - N.D.

"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my ax."

Abraham Lincoln
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