James (“Jimmy”) Patterson began practicing labor and employment law in 1992 with an emphasis on traditional labor, issues.  In 2000, he joined Ogletree Deakins and continues to work exclusively for employers on traditional labor issues as well as advising employees on employment related matters.  Jimmy’s practice includes the counseling and representation of employers before the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and numerous other Federal and State agencies.  He has extensive experience in the area of representation and decertification elections, unfair labor practices proceedings, labor arbitrations and collective bargaining.  Jimmy has also drafted numerous employment contracts and handbooks and specializes in handling issues related to the use of independent contractors and the drafting of independent contractor agreements.