James Hart

jhart@littler.com
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James 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 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 experience 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 regularly represents clients in the following industries:

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

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's Orange County office, he is active in the international employment law activities of the firm.

Prior to joining Littler, James practiced criminal law as a deputy attorney general in the California Attorney General's Office. While there, 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, worked in the business affairs department at an entertainment company and worked in the music industry. James was an extern to the Hon. Consuelo B. Marshall of the U. S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Credentials & Recognition

Speaking Engagements

Employment Law Update Topics

  • October 15, 2019
  • Client Webinar

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Managing Challenges that Arise When the Employment Relationship Ends

  • May 3, 2018
  • Littler Executive Employer, Phoenix, AZ

Payrolls, Politics, Privilege, Predators and Other Predicaments in Today’s Workplace

  • December 14, 2016
  • American Payroll Association

Employee Handbooks, The Basics 2016: Employment Law

  • September 15, 2016

Security and Privacy Issues, The Basics 2016: Employment Law

  • September 15, 2016

Preparing for Change: DOL’s Final Rule on Overtime

  • August 18, 2016
  • American Payroll Association

HR Best Practices: Handbooks, Employment Agreements and Job Descriptions

  • July 14, 2016
  • Employers Advisory Council

Class Action Trends and the Importance of Experts in Class Actions

  • July 2016
  • CalCPA

Managing California’s Mandatory Paid Sick Leave Law

  • June 2015

Additional Thought Leadership

The Future Of PEOs and Employment Class Action Litigation

  • May 2011
  • PEO Insider
  • Heather M. Peck

English Only Rules In The Workplace

  • November 2007
  • Orange County Bar Journal

Insurance Czar's Moves Aim To Avert Crisis

  • June 7, 2007
  • Los Angeles Daily Journal

Changes Made to the Way You Pay Your Employees: Temporary Employees, Overtime and Bonuses

  • March 12, 2007
  • Orange County Bar Journal

Numbers Count

  • 2007
  • The Advisor

Will A New Exception To Worker's Compensation Emerge?

  • California Labor & Employment Law Quarterly

Books & Book Chapters

Drafting Employment Documents for California Employers

  • Continuing Education of the Bar
  • Hiring Forms and Checklists, Chapter 1, Chapter Co-Author
  • 2012 and 2013

Hiring, Annotated Employment Document Guide

  • Continuing Education of the Bar
  • Co-Author: Douglas Wickham
  • 2011

Let us know how we can help you navigate your particular workplace legal issues.