James E. Hart represents and counsels public and private sector employers in a wide range of employment and labor matters. With experience in all facets of the litigation process, from initial investigation and filing through trial and appeal, he has represented companies in:

• Wrongful termination
• Discrimination, harassment and retaliation matters
• Complex wage and hour class actions
• Administrative proceedings

He practices in federal and state courts in California, both at the trial and appellate level, and before the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Department of Labor, the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. He has specific expertise with:

• Wage and hour laws and regulations, including those that cover classification, overtime, off-the-clock, and meal and rest policies
• The Americans with Disabilities Act and corresponding state disability laws
• Privacy laws
• Appellate procedure

Additionally, James has assisted with internal human resources investigations of employees; audits of company policies; and other ongoing employee matters, such as workplace violence restraining orders. He also provides his clients with compliance counseling.

James conducts training on harassment, termination procedures, wage and hour and other issues. He regularly presents for the Continuing Education of the Bar. A founding member of Littler Mendelson's Orange County office, he is active in the international employment law activities of the firm and is currently in the process of being qualified to practice as a UK solicitor.

James regularly represents:

• Hospitality clients, such as hotels and restaurants
• Medical employers, including hospitals, paramedics, doctors, and pharmacies
• Technology companies
• Retail establishments, including supermarkets and clothing chains
• Transportation clients, including trucking companies and travel associations

Prior to joining Littler Mendelson, James practiced criminal law as a deputy Attorney General in the California Attorney General's Office. While at the Attorney General's Office, he prosecuted felonies and misdemeanors and defended criminal convictions on appeal and in habeas corpus proceedings. He also participated in an exchange program with the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office and worked in the business affairs department at an entertainment company. Previously, James served as an extern to the Honorable Federal District Court Judge Consuelo B. Marshall of the Central District Court of California. He also worked as a legal intern at a music company.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, Board of Directors - Employer Advisory Council of Orange County
• Member, Orange County Bar Association
• Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Member, British American Business Council of Orange County
• Member, University of California at Irvine Alumni Association
• Member, TechAmerica
• Member, Southern California Business Ethics Roundtable