James "Jim" Keith joined Adams and Reese in 1996 and practices in the areas of employment, education and administrative law. A focused aspect of his practice involves the representation of educational entities, including school districts, community colleges and universities. He has contributed to the expansion of the Education practice across the firm.
Before attending law school, Jim was in mid-level management at AT&T in Miami, where he supervised approximately 200 employees, most who were members of the Communication Workers of America labor union. He handled all aspects of management/labor disputes, including employee reprimands and dismissals, walkouts, charges of unfair labor practices and other employment issues.
Significant contributions and honors include:
· Receiving the inaugural Mississippi School Boards Association "Friend of Education" recognition in 2008 for his work representing school districts throughout the State of Mississippi. This has included employee matters, student issues, board/administration interaction and education of students with disabilities. Jim has handled these matters in administrative hearings and in state and federal court.
· Being awarded the Mississippi Association of School Administrators 2006 "Friend of Education" Award in appreciation of his dedicated support of public education.
· Presentations in Mississippi and nationwide on issues involving the education of students with disabilities and other education topics. He has authored several special education articles and has contributed to national publications involving the education of students with disabilities.
· Representing employers in all areas of employment law litigation and administrative proceedings, with extensive experience in discrimination cases of all types, including race, sex, age, religion and disability; wage/hour litigation and appearances before administrative agencies, state trial and appellate courts and federal trial and appellate courts. Jim is also a frequent speaker on employment matters.
· Advising universities and colleges on issues involving student rights and employment matters.
Jim is a Mississippi Bar Foundation Fellow. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from Mississippi State University. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, hiking, distance bicycling, whitewater rafting and most outdoor activities.
Professional Memberships / Affiliations
Mississippi Bar Foundation, Fellow
Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
Mississippi School Boards Association
National Council of School Board Attorneys
Mississippi Bar Association
Capital Area Bar Association
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Board Member
Gleaners, Inc., Volunteer
Other Distinctions
AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Best Lawyers® - Education Law, Labor and Employment Law
Chambers USA - Labor and Employment
Seminars
Mississippi Association of School Superintendents 2011 Summer Convention, 6/10/2011
Mississippi Association of School Superintendents/Alliance Winter Conference, 1/24/2011
Terminations and Non-Renewals, 1/19/2011
MASS/Alliance Summer Convention, 7/11/2010