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James B. Yates, Employment Attorney in Toledo, Ohio

Toledo, OH

Trusted employment attorney serving Toledo.

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James B. Yates is an attorney based in Toledo, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.

Based in
Toledo, OHIO
Experience
attorney
Known for
Employment
  • Handles Employment matters from Toledo, OHIO.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo) (2026).

About James B. Yates: James B. Yates is an attorney based in Toledo, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Employment cases in Toledo, Ohio

James takes employment matters in Toledo, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James B. Yates — employment lawyer in Toledo

James B. Yates is an attorney based in Toledo, OHIO. The practice focuses on Employment.

James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

A member of Eastman & Smith, Mr. Yates's practice encompasses collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity matters, workers' compensation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Mr. Yates has represented employers in labor and employment law related matters with various agencies such as the Industrial Commission, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), State Employee Retirement Board (SERB), Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals. He regularly consults with clients regarding the drafting and implementation of employment policies and conducts supervisor training. Mr. Yates is a frequent speaker at seminars regarding a myriad of labor and employment law topics.

    James's approach to employment cases

    James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). A member of Eastman & Smith, Mr. Yates's practice encompasses collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity matters, workers' compensation and compliance…

    The kind of cases James takes

    James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment matters in Toledo and the surrounding Ohio area.

    Credentials

    Education, bar admissions, and languages

    • The Ohio State University

      J.D. · 1990

    James studied at J.D. in The Ohio State University.

    Law school and academic background

    James completed J.D. in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

    Recognition

    Recognition and thought leadership

    James has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

    • Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo)

      2026

    • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management

      2026

    Legal awards and honors

    Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026).

    Locations

    James B. Yates's office in Toledo

    James's primary office is at 550 North Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio, 43604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

    Main office

    550 North Summit Street

    Toledo, Ohio 43604

    Open in Google Maps

    Client feedback

    Client reviews of James B. Yates

    James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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    Only verified clients who have consulted with James B. Yates can leave a review.

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    Hiring guide

    How to hire James B. Yates — what to expect in your first consultation

    Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

    Consultation formats and pricing

    James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

    What to bring to your first meeting

    Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

    Questions to ask a employment attorney in Toledo, Ohio

    A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

    Fees & payment

    Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

    James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.

    Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

    Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

    Payment methods and payment plans

    James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.

    Frequently asked

    Frequently asked questions about James B. Yates

    • How much does it cost to hire James for a employment case?

      Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

    • Does James offer a free consultation?

      James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

    • How long do employment cases in Ohio typically take?

      Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

    • Can James take my case if I'm outside Toledo?

      James is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

    • What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

      Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

    • Is James accepting new employment clients right now?

      James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

    Areas served

    Employment attorneys serving Toledo, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio

    James handles employment matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.

    More counsel

    If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Toledo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.