James C. Pennington

Mr. Pennington began practicing labor and employment law at a large, regional firm in Birmingham in 1990. Since that time he has concentrated his practice in the area of labor and employment law. He became a founding member of the Birmingham office of Ogletree Deakins in 1997.  He has a Yellow Belt certification from Legal Lean Sigma.

Mr. Pennington represents employers before state and federal courts and administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He also represents employers before arbitrators and administrative review bodies such as tenure commissions and personnel review panels. His litigation experience includes a broad range of employment-related issues, including discrimination, labor strikes, collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, class actions, wage and hour disputes, trade secrets, non-competition agreements, and employee benefits. He also has substantial experience representing public employers and non-profit entities in the defense of first amendment and other constitutional and civil rights cases in state and federal courts.

Mr. Pennington devotes a large portion of his practice to counseling with employers on avoidance of labor and employment problems. He works with employers to develop preventive labor relations programs and assists clients in developing personnel policies, procedures and handbooks. Mr. Pennington frequently speaks to and trains human resources professionals and other managers on issues relating to employment.