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James P. Greene

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Jim Greene is a management-side labor and employment lawyer. Because he has been a constant presence with their organizations for so many years, he often provides a combination of foresight and institutional knowledge to help clients think and act strategically and remain competitive.

Jim’s background includes consulting, college-level teaching, and executive-level public sector leadership. He has negotiated and administered labor agreements for various clients, including colleges and universities, manufacturers, service firms, public utility cooperatives, healthcare providers, K-12 school systems, courts, cities, and counties. Besides traditional labor law, he also counsels clients in employment matters and represents them in workplace disputes and administrative proceedings.

Both behind the scenes and out in front, Jim has vast labor experience that includes labor arbitrations, grievances, union certification and decertification campaigns, union avoidance, strikes, picketing, secondary boycotts, and unfair labor practices proceedings before state and federal agencies. He has sat across the table with union officials, negotiating hundreds of collective bargaining agreements covering a broad range of employees.

When reports of statutory violations and workplace misconduct surface, Jim conducts internal investigations of the allegations and quickly resolves disputes that might otherwise invite public scrutiny and media attention. If the allegations turn into formal claims, he litigates disputes involving unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, whistleblower retaliation, breach of contract, workplace violence, leaves of absence, improper mass layoff notices, and other employment related issues.

Outside the office, Jim gives back to the community serving as a member of the board of directors and officer of Dawn Farm in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

“Today’s workplace is a far cry from even a few years ago. Employers concerned about revenues, right-sizing, and competition for talent have more obstacles to navigate than before. I enjoy working with them to solve those and other complex problems and safeguard their interests.”
    • University of Toledo, J.D.
    • Michigan State University, M.L.I.R.
    • University of Oregon, B.S.

  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan, 1982

  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1982
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 1986
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1987

    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

      • Employment Law - Management, 2021-2026
      • Labor Law – Management, 2023-2026
      • Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2023-2026

    • Named a Michigan Leading Lawyer in the area of Labor: Management Law by the Leading Lawyers Network

    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® for Employment & Labor, Employment Litigation: Defense, Schools & Education, 2009 and 2010

    • Recipient of an AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
      • Labor Relations Consultant, Michigan Association for School Boards
      • Adjunct Professor, Lansing Community College
      • Principal, The Wyatt Company
      • Executive Director of Human Resources, Eastern Michigan University

Contact

Ann Arbor734-214-7667

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