James Smith focuses his practice in the areas of labor and employment law. He specializes in labor and employment disputes with an emphasis on class and representative actions. Mr. Smith has successfully litigated numerous cases to conclusion, including lawsuits alleging wrongful termination, harassment and discrimination, and complex wage and hour claims under both state and federal law.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Smith was founding and managing partner of a California-based business and employment litigation law firm where he was director of its Labor and Employment Group. He also served as outside counsel for emerging and mid-sized companies. Previously, Mr. Smith worked as a senior associate and founding member in the San Francisco, California office of an international law firm where he represented clients in labor and employment matters and acted as lead trial counsel in multiple cases.

Mr. Smith is an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, Hastings School of the Law where he teaches moot court, appellate advocacy and related courses in the Legal Writing and Moot Court Department.

Mr. Smith was recognized as a Northern California “Super Lawyer” in 2015 and the three years prior for Labor & Employment by Super Lawyers magazine.