Johnnie A. James
Shareholder – Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.

Description of field of expertise

Johnnie is an experienced trial lawyer with expertise in management-side employment law. Johnnie litigates and defends corporate clients against allegations of wage and hour violations, whistleblower retaliation, wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination and other claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and the California Labor Code. As a former General Counsel of an international academic publisher, Johnnie has a wide breadth of experience as both the client and the adviser. Johnnie understands what his clients’ needs are and prides himself on delivering excellent client service at every level.

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Whether you represent corporate clients or individuals, stay true to your values. The practice of law is a noble profession out of which much good can be done. Never put greed or personal self-interest ahead of your ethical obligations to represent your clients to the fullest extent.

Final thoughts…

Johnnie is very active in his firm. Johnnie co-chairs the Summer Associate Program for the Los Angeles Office, co-chairs the Office’s Attorney Lateral Hiring Committee, is on the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee charged with approving billable hours credit for attorneys engaged in DEI work within their communities, and frequently speaks at client seminars on trends in Labor and Employment Law.