James B. Cox works in the practice areas of higher education, employment law and labor relations. Jim represents employers in resolving issues facing higher education institutions, conducting collective bargaining, defending actions in court and agencies, and providing advice regarding the laws that govern the workplace. Jim is a practice area leader.
Representative Experience
- Conducted anti-discrimination training and represented managers of diverse businesses and industries, both public and private. Drafted and negotiated employment and severance agreements, including questions of the enforceability of non-competition and non-solicitation provisions.
- Successfully arbitrated grievances for employers in higher education, manufacturing, trucking, police and fire departments.
- Litigated matters in all courts of the Commonwealth and many administrative agencies, and has been involved in notable litigation regarding claims of discrimination by students, the authority of an administrative agency to award remedial relief, and the scope of workplace harassment claims.
- Advised employers in the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements with private and public sector unions covering faculty, higher education administrators, clerical and technical employees, health care workers, police officers and firefighters.
- Audited workplaces and drafted employment policy manuals to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
- Appeared before the trial and appellate courts of the Commonwealth, the United States District Court, the First Circuit Court of Appeals, the NLRB, the EEOC, the State Department of Labor Relations, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and other state agencies.
Recognition and Awards
- Named, Boston magazine, Top Lawyers, Education Law, 2022
Professional and Community Involvement
- Former Assistant Corporation Counsel, Supervisor of Labor Relations for The City of Boston.