Jeffrey James
USA Guide 2024
Band 4 : Labor & Employment
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
425-450-3384Share profile
Band 4
About
Provided by Jeffrey James
Practice Areas
Litigation
Discrimination
Class Actions
Restraining Orders and Injunctive Relief
Business Torts
Wage and Hour
Reasonable Accommodation
Hiring/Firing
Labor Relations
Employment Contracts
Retaliation
Restrictive covenants
Reductions in Force (RIF) and WARN Compliance
Unemployment Compensation
Personnel Policies
Safety and Health
Training
Career
Jeffrey A. James is the Managing Shareholder at Sebris Busto James and the head of the firm’s litigation group. He has represented employers in labor and employment matters since 1988. Jeff's practice focuses on helping employers comply with state, federal and local employment laws and defending employers when litigation arises. He also prosecutes matters on behalf of employers seeking to enforce employment agreements, restrictive covenants, or other obligations. Jeff is a trial and appellate attorney who has successfully represented clients in proceedings before state and federal courts at all levels, as well as before administrative agencies and in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Jeff is a frequent speaker at legal and industry seminars on issues affecting the workplace.
Jeff has been actively involved in federal, state, and local bar associations for over three decades. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, as well as in Washington and Oregon. He is the past Secretary of the Executive Board of the Washington State Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section, and past Chair of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers – Employment Law Committee.
Professional Memberships
Jeff is a member of the Washington Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section; the King County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section; and the American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, Employee Rights and Responsibilities Committee, where he serves as Management Co-Chair of the Trial and Appellate Advocacy Subcommittee. He is a past member of the King County Bar Association Board of Trustees and past member of the Seattle Children’s Pediatric Bioethics Advisory Council. He currently serves as a member of a judicial subcommittee evaluating the Employment Chapter of the Washington Practice Jury Instructions.
Personal
Jeff has been repeatedly named as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law & Politics and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America, the Best Lawyers in Seattle, and The International Who’s Who of Management Labour & Employment Lawyers. He was named a “Lawyer of the Year” for Management-Side Employment Litigation in 2016 by Best Lawyers publication and has been repeatedly ranked amongst Seattle’s best lawyers by Chambers and Best Lawyers in America. He has received the highest possible peer review rating for competency and ethics (AV) by Martindale-Hubbell. For over 55 years he has cultivated a passion for soccer as a player, coach, and supporter of the Seattle Sounders. When he is not in trial or spending time outdoors with his family you can find him playing guitar or tinkering with cars.
Articles, highlights and press releases
9 items provided by Sebris Busto James
New FTC Rule Bans Noncompetition Covenants for Almost All Workers
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) voted to finalize a rule that would ban most noncompetition (or “noncompete”) covenants.
New DOL Rule Has Major Implications for Federal Contractors
Over the last year, the federal government has increased its oversight of federal contractors’ employment practices.
The New Year has brought with it several changes to the landscape of Washington’s labor and employment laws.
NLRB Issues New Rule on Determining Joint-Employer Status
The National Labor Relations Board has again issued a new ruling for determining joint-employer status under the National Labor Relations Act.
Washington Supreme Court Rejects the Apex Doctrine
In its September 14, 2023, unanimous decision in Stratford v. Umpqua Bank, the Washington Supreme Court rejected the application of the “apex doctrine” in Washington.
NLRB Ruling Facilitates Union Recognition
On August 25, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) issued a landmark ruling, Cemex Construction Materials Pacific (“Cemex”), overruling 50 years of precedent regarding union recognition, elections, and bargaining orders.
EEOC’s Updated Guidance on Disabilities Provides New Information and Reminders for Employers
On July 26, 2023, the EEOC issued updated guidance about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employees and applicants with visual disabilities.
U.S. Supreme Court Makes It Easier for Employees to Seek Religious Accommodations
In its June 29, 2023, unanimous decision in Groff v. DeJoy, the United States Supreme Court made it easier for employees to seek religious accommodations from their employers.
Washington Restricts Pre-Employment Cannabis Testing
As of January 1, 2024, employers in Washington State cannot refuse to hire an applicant based on his or her past use of cannabis. The new law, however, does not impact an employer’s ability to drug test applicants for controlled substances.
New FTC Rule Bans Noncompetition Covenants for Almost All Workers
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) voted to finalize a rule that would ban most noncompetition (or “noncompete”) covenants.
New DOL Rule Has Major Implications for Federal Contractors
Over the last year, the federal government has increased its oversight of federal contractors’ employment practices.
The New Year has brought with it several changes to the landscape of Washington’s labor and employment laws.
NLRB Issues New Rule on Determining Joint-Employer Status
The National Labor Relations Board has again issued a new ruling for determining joint-employer status under the National Labor Relations Act.
Washington Supreme Court Rejects the Apex Doctrine
In its September 14, 2023, unanimous decision in Stratford v. Umpqua Bank, the Washington Supreme Court rejected the application of the “apex doctrine” in Washington.
NLRB Ruling Facilitates Union Recognition
On August 25, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB” or “Board”) issued a landmark ruling, Cemex Construction Materials Pacific (“Cemex”), overruling 50 years of precedent regarding union recognition, elections, and bargaining orders.
EEOC’s Updated Guidance on Disabilities Provides New Information and Reminders for Employers
On July 26, 2023, the EEOC issued updated guidance about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and employees and applicants with visual disabilities.
U.S. Supreme Court Makes It Easier for Employees to Seek Religious Accommodations
In its June 29, 2023, unanimous decision in Groff v. DeJoy, the United States Supreme Court made it easier for employees to seek religious accommodations from their employers.
Washington Restricts Pre-Employment Cannabis Testing
As of January 1, 2024, employers in Washington State cannot refuse to hire an applicant based on his or her past use of cannabis. The new law, however, does not impact an employer’s ability to drug test applicants for controlled substances.