James Daniels

Deputy General Counsel – Labor Relations

Illinois Department of Central Management Services

James Daniels is the Deputy Director of Labor Relations at the State of Illinois’ Central Management Services. He is responsible for managing the labor initiatives for the forty agencies under the office of the Governor, which include the negotiation of State union contracts, the resolution of statewide grievances, and the disposition of issues arising from the creation of new agencies, legislative transfers, layoffs, closures, and the implementation of new statewide policies such as remote work, health insurance and artificial intelligence. Previously he served as counsel for the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, in which position he negotiated over a hundred collective bargaining agreements and litigated numerous  grievances throughout the State of Illinois, to include many interest arbitrations for police, correctional and deputy units. He has also successfully represented his clients in the Fifth District Appellate Court. He brings with him a wealth of experience from both the union and management perspective, as well as a good working relationship with the representatives of the dozens of unions that represent State employees.

James is a graduate of John Marshall Law School. He currently lives and works in Springfield, Illinois.