Overview

James has thirty years’ experience representing employers in all phases of the employment relationship including collective bargaining, union avoidance, arbitration of employment disputes, claims of discrimination and wrongful termination, wage and hour compliance and workers’ compensation. He has represented clients engaged in diverse industries such as steel, coal, equipment manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare and financial services.

Honors & Recognitions

  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Workers' Compensation Law - Employers (1995-2022, 2024)
  • Alabama Super Lawyers® (2008-2010)
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence   

Professional & Civic Associations

  • Alabama Bar Association
  • Georgia Bar Association

News & Analysis

Speaking Engagements & Industry Publications

  • “Human Resource Law Update,” presented to National Business Institute, 2008
  • “Defending Wrongful Discharge Claims,” presented to National Business Institute, 2007
  • “Employee Discharge and Documentation: How Not to Become a Defendant,” presented to National Business Institute, 1999, 2000, 2007 and Lorman Education Services, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
  • “Workers’ Compensation Hearings: Techniques and Strategies for Success,” presented to National Business Institute, 2007
  • “Alabama Personnel Law Update,” presented to Council on Education in Management, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005
  • “Alabama Labor and Employment Law,” presented to National Business Institute, 1996, 1998, 2004
  • “Basic Wage and Hour Law in Alabama,” presented to National Business Institute, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004
  • “Workers’ Comp 101: A Guide to Managing Workers’ Comp Claims,” presented to Council on Education in Management, 2003
  • “Writing the Employee Handbook in Alabama,” presented to Lorman Education Services, 1998, 1999
  • "The oft shouted admonition of my defensive backfield college football coach -- 'If you don't know what to do, stand still, study your keys, and figure out what you need to do instead of running around like a chicken without a head'-- has served me well, especially off the football field."
  • Jimmy Nolan, Labor Lawyer

Practice Emphasis

  • Labor & Employment Law

Industries

Education

Cumberland School of Law

  • J.D., 1978

Washington & Lee University

  • B.A., cum laude, 1974

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Alabama, 1978
  • Georgia, 1983
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court of Alabama
  • U.S. District Court of Georgia
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