James S. Urban (Jim)

Jim Urban has represented and counseled employers in complex employment and labor disputes for 25 years. His trial experience includes cases before federal and state court juries, arbitration tribunals, and Department of Labor administrative law judges. He has helped employers successfully defend against employment discrimination and whistleblower claims, as well as against allegations that a collective bargaining agreement was breached. He also has secured injunctive relief in state courts to enjoin unlawful picket line activity during labor strikes.

Twice in the past three years, The Best Lawyers in America has honored Jim as Lawyer of the Year in Pittsburgh for his work in labor and employment litigation and traditional labor matters. The Legal 500 also recognized him for his effectiveness in labor-management disputes. Jim currently is defending a leading logistics provider against class action allegations that its facially neutral background check policy has a disparate impact on certain minority job applicants. He also has extensive experience defending employers who are accused of failing to pay overtime wages, having represented energy producers, retailers, manufacturers, hospitals, banks, and pharmaceutical companies in such class actions.

Jim previously taught trial advocacy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law for seven years and frequently speaks at CLE seminars regarding issues that are important to employers, such as use of independent contractors, proper classification of employees, defense of joint employer allegations, and navigating pay-equity audits. He gave several well-received seminars regarding managing layoffs and furloughs during the pandemic.