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print full bioJames M. McGrew
Profile
* Licensed only in Louisiana.
Mr. McGrew works with firm attorneys, practice groups, and offices on developing proposals for clients and potential clients, and on strategic business development and marketing initiatives. He works regularly on developing value billing/alternative fee offerings for clients and prospective clients. In addition, Mr. McGrew leads the firm initiative on conducting client assessment surveys and oversees the Atlanta Client Services Department, which includes marketing, public relations and other functions. Mr. McGrew also serves as a frequent moderator of firm webinars, and speaks on human resources and other topics.
Prior to joining Ogletree, Deakins, Mr. McGrew served for eight years as in-house legal counsel and director of human resources for a hospitality industry employer in New Orleans. Prior to that, Mr. McGrew was a partner in a law firm in New Orleans, representing management in labor and employment law matters.
Mr. McGrew is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and is a Fellow in the Louisiana Bar Foundation. Mr. McGrew is a past-President of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Louisiana Chapter, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He has a Green Belt certification from Legal Lean Sigma.
In addition to his professional activities, Mr. McGrew has been involved in his community, serving on the board of non-profit organizations in New Orleans.
Experience
Mr. McGrew has a broad range of experience, having served for years as outside counsel, in-house counsel and director of human resources, and now in client services for Ogletree Deakins. Mr. McGrew practiced labor and employment law in New Orleans, where he focused on employment litigation and day-to-day counseling of clients. During his time in private practice, Mr. McGrew was a frequent speaker on employment law topics to management groups.
After practicing law in the law firm setting for many years, Mr. McGrew became the in-house legal counsel and director of human resources for Emeril’s Homebase, the corporate headquarters for Chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant and related operations. Mr. McGrew headed the in-house legal and human resources functions for the company, which included responsibility for all aspects of human resources, including development of policies and procedures, employee benefits, management training, and employment-related legal issues.
Education and Honors
J.D., University of Mississippi, 1985
B.A., University of South Florida, 1983
- Five American Jurisprudence Awards
- Dean Robert J. Farley Award
- BNA Law Student Award
- Chairman, Moot Court Board
- AV rated by Martindale Hubbell
Professional Activities
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Fellow, Louisiana Bar Foundation
- Society for Human Resources Management
- Legal Marketing Association
- Human Resources Managers Association New Orleans
- Association of Corporate Counsel – Louisiana Chapter (Former Member, President and Board Member)
- Legal Marketing Association Southeastern Chapter, 2011 Mini-Conference (Panel) - "Strategic Planning and Business Development Case Studies" - Atlanta - November 4, 2011
- Association of Corporate Counsel, 2011 Corporate Counsel University (Panel) - "Adding Value: Strategic Planning And Demonstrating Success " - New Orleans - May 17, 2011
- Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar (Panel) - "Disasters Happen – Is Your Workplace Prepared?" - Chicago - May 12, 2011
- Chief Human Resources Officer (CHO) Group - "Corporate Preparedness And Crisis Planning – Best Practices And Lessons Learned From Katrina Experience" - Portland - November 19, 2008
- Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar (Panel) - "“Work Jerks” – Dealing with Bullying" - New Orleans - May 8, 2008
- 2008 Labor and Employment Law Advanced Practices Symposium (Panel) - "Effective Management Depositions – A “Play by Play” Analysis" - San Diego - February 14, 2008
- 2006 Labor and Employment Law Advanced Practices Symposium (Panel) - "Preparing For Disaster – HR Lessons From Recent Tragedies" - Phoenix - October 13, 2006
- Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar (Panel) - "Managing Through Disasters – Workplace Lessons Learned" - Atlanta - May 12, 2006
Louisiana