James J. Powers

Partner

Clark Baird Smith LLP

James J. Powers IV is a founding Partner of Clark Baird Smith LLP, a labor and employment law practice formed in 2010 that represents management in defense of unfair labor practice charges and federal and state employment-related lawsuits.

He regularly counsels employers in various employment-related leave matters, including the interplay between FMLA, ADA, workers' compensation, and Illinois public safety employee leave and benefits.

His labor relations experience includes representing employers in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, and Illinois Labor Relations Board.

He also represents employers in grievance and interest arbitration proceedings.   He served as chief negotiator in collective bargaining negotiations with unions such as the Teamsters, International Union of Operating Engineers, SEIU Local 73, AFSCME, the FOP Labor Council, and the Metropolitan Alliance of Police. He is active with the Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association and serves as a co-editor of the Association’s monthly newsletter.