Jimmy Robinson is recognized as one of the most influential and “Go To” attorneys in Virginia. He tops many best lawyer lists and is regularly recognized and celebrated as a Top Lawyer. He is the founding shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Richmond office and serves as the office’s Managing Shareholder. He focuses his practice on high stakes crisis management issues, strategic planning and management of DEI & ESG matters and all aspects of traditional labor and employment litigation especially complex litigation.
Jimmy serves as the chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practice Group. In this role, he leads a group of very talented attorneys dedicated to advising and collaborating with clients to assist them in the development and implementation of their company’s diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives. This includes advising those clients’ talent management teams on enhancing the hiring, advancement, retention, and promotion of diverse employees.
The increasing trend in reporting on Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) efforts has dovetailed with inclusion, equity and diversity considerations. Jimmy’s practice recognizes that the recent and ongoing transformation of the workplace impacts all aspects of business and highlights the opportunity to address these changes sustainably. Jimmy serves as a strategic partner, helping companies navigate ESG issues that are tied to societal considerations with transparency. He brings a deep understanding of ESG considerations for both publicly traded and private companies to his analysis and recommendations. He leverages his knowledge and understanding of legislative and regulatory requirements for ESG and assists companies in using these powerful tools to their benefit including attracting new talent and investors that strengthens the company’s value.
He also advises companies on their inclusive initiatives, their diversity & inclusion demographics and leadership, affinity groups, inclusive culture maintenance and development, sponsorships, and partnerships. He serves as a liaison to clients and external organizations dedicated to fostering more diverse and inclusive work environments. He oversees the practice group’s efforts to help clients expand opportunities for women and employees of color, he conducts diversity trainings & audits, and advises on internal and external diversity-related communications. Finally, in this space, he helps clients who are looking for practical solutions to legal problems related to diversity and inclusion, including helping them manage litigation issues.
Jimmy handles an expansive range of labor and employment matters for national and international companies with operations across the United States and around the world. He represents employers before regulatory agencies and in federal and state courts, handling single plaintiff claims as well as collective and class action litigation. He assists his clients in managing administrative agency investigations, including systematic initiative, pattern and practice and disparate impact claims involving the equal pay act, title IX, background checking, promotion, hiring and pre-employment testing, and reasonable accommodation processes, among many others. He also has an expansive traditional labor practice that touches on all aspects of traditional labor.
In his Crisis Management practice, Jimmy has significant hands-on experience solving complex problems in high-profile settings. His crisis management team has the litigation, public policy and communications skills to manage the crisis on multiple fronts. He is known for taking immediate action to manage any situation, executing a strategic communication plan and guiding clients through difficult events. His experience extends to all manner of issues that can arise in a corporate crisis situation, including complex civil litigation, “Me too” litigation, corporate governance issues, employment disputes, corporate executive transitions, etc. Jimmy is experienced in developing and implementing prompt and effective crisis communication strategies to address any situation. He conducts internal investigations, respond to government regulators and congressional investigations, prepare witnesses to testify before regulatory bodies, manage litigation, work with the media, design compliance & ESG programs, and formulate public policy. He frequently counsels executives and boards of directors in preparing a crisis plan as the first step in avoiding crisis situations before they arise.
Jimmy is an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond where he teaches Employment Law & Policy and Labor Law. He has a personal commitment to pro bono work. His public interest work is significant and varied and includes representation of the indigent in custody and other domestic relations matters; providing pro bono simple wills, advance medical directives, and powers of attorney to First Responders through the Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference; and putting on multiple Senior Citizens Seminars explaining the pertinent and changing laws and programs affecting senior citizens in Virginia and especially in the minority and depressed communities.
Jimmy is the former president of the Virginia State Bar’s Young Lawyers Conference, and the former president of the Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, Young Lawyers Division. His awards and accomplishments are too many to list.
