Overview
Jim Smith began his labor and employment law career as a field attorney with the NLRB, and left the agency to serve as labor counsel for a major corporation. He joined the firm in Atlanta in 1964 and continues to enjoy the traditional labor practice, particularly serving clients in the transportation industry. Jim has chaired American Bar Association Committees and has been a part of the firm's growth and development of specialized practice areas of Wage-Hour, Equal Employment, government contract compliance and OSHA. He has a very successful trial and appellate litigation record against the government and labor unions in cases arising under the National Labor Relations Act.
Professional & Civic Associations
- American Bar Association, Section on Labor and Employment Law
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Georgia Bar Association
- Atlanta Bar Association
- Former Management Co-Chairman for ABA Labor and Employment Law Committees on Fair Labor Standards; Occupational Safety and Health; Equal Employment Opportunity; Membership and Finance
- First Presbyterian Church of Hartwell
- Republican Party
- American Legion
- “The Latin words ‘esse quam videri’ are on the Great Seal of North Carolina, and I was required to translate and memorize it as a child. I have found the admonition ‘to be rather than to seem’ to distinguish our firm and its lawyers for over 40 years, and I am proud to have been a part of it.”
- Jim Smith, Labor Lawyer
Practices
Practice Emphasis
- Traditional Labor Law
- Union Avoidance Consulting and Campaigns
- NLRB Litigation
- Employee Relations Counseling
- Sexual harassment Investigations and Defense
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Wage and Hour Compliance
- Affirmative Action Compliance
Education
University of North Carolina
- J.D., 1958
- North Carolina Law Review - Editorial Staff
- A.B., Law, 1953
Bar & Court Admissions
- North Carolina, 1958
- Georgia, 1964