JM

James McDonnell, Employment Attorney in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

focused on Employment and Litigation

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Trusted employment attorney serving Berkeley Heights.

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Quick answer

James McDonnell is an attorney based in Berkeley Heights, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Based in
Berkeley Heights, NEW JERSEY
Experience
attorney
Known for
Employment · Litigation
  • Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Berkeley Heights, NEW JERSEY.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026).

About James McDonnell: James McDonnell is an attorney based in Berkeley Heights, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Berkeley Heights

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

Employment cases in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

James takes employment matters in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. 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.

Litigation cases in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

James takes litigation matters in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. 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

James McDonnell, employment attorney serving Berkeley Heights

James McDonnell is an attorney based in Berkeley Heights, NEW JERSEY. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. James works from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey and takes on employment matters across the region.

James M. McDonnell is a principal in the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He represents management exclusively in all aspects of employment litigation, including restrictive covenants, class-actions, harassment, retaliation, discrimination and wage and hour claims.

Jim regularly represents employers in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights, the United States Department of Labor, and the New Jersey Department of Labor. He has successfully represented clients in matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court.

How James handles employment matters

James M. McDonnell is a principal in the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He represents management exclusively in all aspects of employment litigation, including restrictive covenants, class-actions, harassment, retaliation, discrimination and wage and hour claims. Jim regularly represents employers in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the…

Who James represents

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Berkeley Heights and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • Seton Hall University

    J.D. · 2001

James studied at J.D. in Seton Hall University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

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

  • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026).

Locations

James McDonnell's office in Berkeley Heights

James's primary office is at 200 Connell Drive, Suite 2000, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, 07922. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

200 Connell Drive, Suite 2000

Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James McDonnell

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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Hiring guide

How to hire James McDonnell — 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 Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

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 McDonnell

  • 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 New Jersey 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 Berkeley Heights?

    James is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey 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 Berkeley Heights, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey

James handles employment matters throughout New Jersey. 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 Berkeley Heights handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.