JA

Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James, Employment Attorney in Bellevue, Washington

focused on Employment and Litigation

Bellevue, WA

Trusted employment attorney serving Bellevue.

1
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Quick answer

Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James is an attorney based in Bellevue, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Based in
Bellevue, WASHINGTON
Experience
attorney
Known for
Employment · Litigation
  • Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Bellevue, WASHINGTON.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Seattle) (2016).

About Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James: Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James is an attorney based in Bellevue, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Jeffrey takes on

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

Employment cases in Bellevue, Washington

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

Litigation cases in Bellevue, Washington

Jeffrey takes litigation matters in Bellevue, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jeffrey agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James — employment lawyer in Bellevue

Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James is an attorney based in Bellevue, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation.

Jeffrey A. James is a shareholder with SEBRIS BUSTO JAMES and serves as the firm's Managing Partner. He has represented employers in labor and employment matters since 1988. Jeff's practice focuses on helping employers comply with state, federal and local employment laws and defending employers when litigation arises. He also prosecutes matters on behalf of employers seeking to enforce employment agreements, restrictive covenants, or other obligations. Jeff is a trial and appellate attorney who has successfully represented clients in proceedings before state and federal courts at all levels, as well as before administrative agencies and in alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Jeff is a frequent speaker at legal and industry seminars on issues affecting the workplace. Jeff has been actively involved in federal, state, and local bar associations for over two decades. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Easter Districts of Washington, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. He is the past-Secretary of the Executive Board of the Washington State Bar Association – Labor & Employment Law Section, and past- Chair of the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers – Employment Law Committee. He is also a member of the Washington Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section; the King County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section; and the American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, where he serves as Management Co-Chair of the Trial and Appellate Advocacy/Employee Rights and Responsibilities Subcommittee. He is a past member of the Washington State Bar Association Labor and Employment Executive Committee, past member of the King County Bar Association Board of Trustees, past Management Co-Chair of the ABA-ERR Technology Subcommittee and past member of the Seattle Children’s Pediatric Bioethics Advisory Council. Jeff has been repeatedly named as a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law & Politics and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers in Seattle and in Chambers USA. He has received the highest possible peer review rating for competency and ethics (AV) by Martindale-Hubbell. He was named a 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" for Employment Litigation - Seattle.

How Jeffrey handles employment matters

Jeffrey A. James is a shareholder with SEBRIS BUSTO JAMES and serves as the firm's Managing Partner. He has represented employers in labor and employment matters since 1988. Jeff's practice focuses on helping employers comply with state, federal and local employment laws and defending employers when litigation arises. He also prosecutes matters on behalf of employers seeking to enforce employment…

Who Jeffrey represents

Jeffrey reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Bellevue and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Seattle University

    J.D. magna cum laude · 1988

  • Western Washington University

    BA cum laude · 1984

Jurisdictions

Jeffrey's state bar admissions

  • Washington, WSBA

    ACTIVE

Jeffrey studied at J.D. magna cum laude in Seattle University and BA cum laude in Western Washington University.

Law school and academic background

Jeffrey completed J.D. magna cum laude in Seattle University and BA cum laude in Western Washington University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jeffrey runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Jeffrey has received 16 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Seattle)

    2016

  • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Covenants Not to Compete

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Defense

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Disability

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Electronic Discovery

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Health Care

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Management

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — State and Federal

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Title VII Litigation

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Seattle) (2016). Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James in Bellevue, Washington

Jeffrey's primary office is at Bellevue, Washington, 15375. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bellevue, Washington 15375

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James

Jeffrey 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 Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Jeffrey charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jeffrey'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; Jeffrey will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a employment attorney in Bellevue, Washington

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 Jeffrey

Jeffrey 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. Jeffrey confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jeffrey'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 Jeffrey A. "Jeff" James

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

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

  • Does Jeffrey offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do employment cases in Washington 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. Jeffrey gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Jeffrey take my case if I'm outside Bellevue?

    Jeffrey is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jeffrey 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 Jeffrey?

    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. Jeffrey will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Jeffrey accepting new employment clients right now?

    Jeffrey'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 Bellevue, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

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

More counsel

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