James B. Robbins

James advises unionized and non-unionized employers on a broad range of labor and employment matters. James is devoted to providing clients with superior legal representation and helping them accomplish their goals while remaining in compliance with both employment and labor laws.

Employment Litigation

James regularly defends employers against claims brought in state or federal court, or before administrative agencies. He works with the client’s goals in mind, whether that be negotiating early case resolutions, or aggressively and cost-effectively litigating a matter.

James has litigated a broad spectrum of claims, including six- and seven-figure claims, involving the following:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
• 42 U.S.C. § 1981 (Section 1981)
• 42 U.S.C § 1983 (Section 1983)
• Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
• Federal Defense Contractor Whistleblower Protection Act (FDCWPA)
• National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
• False Claims Act (FCA)
• South Carolina Payment of Wages Act (SCWPA)
• New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA)
• South Carolina common law causes of action

Employment Counseling

James counsels human resources professionals and in-house counsel on a wide range of workplace issues, including hiring, disciplining, terminating, reasonable accommodations, Family and Medical leave, workplace investigations, non-competition agreements, severance agreements, employee training, reductions in force (RIF), compliance with Davis-Bacon and Related Act (DBRA), and other duties and liabilities of employers.

Traditional Labor

On the labor side, James has experience advising and representing employers of all sizes in a wide range of industries who have unionized workforces or are confronted with union organizing. He utilizes creative strategies to advance the employer’s interests efficiently and effectively in the ever-challenging area of the law.

He advises and represents national employers undergoing union organizing campaigns, including campaigns involving various levels of neutrality, multi-site attacks, and corporate campaigns. He also defends management against unfair labor practice allegations before the National Labor Relations Board and represents management in grievance arbitrations.

James advises unionized clients on grievance decisions, layoffs, discipline and discharge issues, and labor disputes. When a labor dispute arises, James protects employers by developing strategic contingency plans to mitigate disruptions to their business operations.

Industries Represented

James has experience representing employers in various industries, including:

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Food Production
• Trucking and Logistics
• Government Contracting
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Retail
• Municipal Government

Outside of the office, James serves on the Review Committee for the Fred Collins Foundation.