SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 22, 2011) – James P. Alexander, a shareholder and one of the founding members of Littler Mendelson’s (“Littler”) Birmingham, Alabama office passed away on Monday, November 21. A distinguished lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, Alexander was considered among the leading lawyers in the profession earning numerous industry accolades. He was named to Best Lawyers in America (1983–2012), Chambers USA (2003, 2009–2011), Who’s Who Legal (2011) and served as a fellow in the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, among a number of other distinctions.
During his vast legal career, Alexander defended employers trying single-plaintiff and class action claims involving employment discrimination and harassment. He practiced before federal and state courts, including the United States Supreme Court, as well as administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board and the Employment Standards Administration. In addition to maintaining a successful practice, Alexander spent 21 years as an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama School of Law teaching employment discrimination law. He attended Duke University where he received both his J.D. (1969) and A.B. (1966).
Active in a number of professional and community organizations, Alexander was a member of the American Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He also served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and was a member of the Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
“We are shocked and saddened by Jim’s sudden passing,” said Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director of the Littler. “Jim was a wonderful colleague, friend and lawyer and his unparalleled skills and integrity made a true mark on the profession. We will always remember his contributions to the firm and community at large and will miss him tremendously.”
Alexander is survived by his wife Jeannie and their two daughters and respective families.