James R. "Jim" Erwin

James R. "Jim" Erwin


Pierce Atwood LLP

Recognized since 2003

Portland, Maine

Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management

Labor Law - Management

Litigation - Labor and Employment

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Litigation - Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Litigation - Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Employment Law - Management
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Jim Erwin has extensive state and federal litigation experience in a wide range of substantive areas at the trial, appellate, administrative and arbitration levels. His practice involves the defense at agencies and in court of all types of employment claims, including sex, race, religious and national origin discrimination; sexual and racial harassment; disability discrimination under the ADA; FMLA; retaliation and whistleblower claims; restrictive covenant and trade secrets enforcement; wage-hour claims and class actions; defamation; and labor arbitrations.

Jim counsels employers on a wide range of workplace issues, conducts training sessions on harassment and other workplace issues, and performs investigations for employers. He also advocates for employers before the Maine State Legislature and administrative agencies on important issues of public policy.

Jim works extensively with clients in healthcare and higher education. He serves as general outside counsel for Bates College, advising on student affairs (including conduct, Title IX, and FERPA), academic affairs, employment, governance, and campus security, and overseeing Piece Atwood’s representation on all other matters.

Contact & Links
Location
  • Merrill's Wharf
    254 Commercial Street
    Portland, ME 04101
Education
  • Boston University School of Law, J.D., graduated 1978
  • Dartmouth College, B.A., cum laude with high distinction, graduated 1975
Bar Admissions
  • United States, Maine
Affiliations
  • American Bar Association - Member, Litigation Section, Labor Relations Committee (former Chair, Ethics and Professionalism Subcommittee)
  • College of Labor & Employment Lawyers - Fellow
  • Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America - Member, Executive Board
  • Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce - Chair
  • University of Maine System - Former member, Board of Trustees
Court Admissions
  • U. S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maine

Pierce Atwood LLP
Headquarters: Portland, Maine

58 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

14 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Litigation - Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Litigation - Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Employment Law - Management
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Management, Portland, ME (2021)
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment, Portland, ME (2020)
  • Labor Law - Management, Portland, ME (2017)
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment, Portland, ME (2016)
  • Employment Law - Management, Portland, ME (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Labor Law - Management
  • Litigation - Labor and Employment
Special Focus:
  • Management
Awards:
  • Listed in Chambers USA Band 1 for Employment Law.

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Publications

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