James C. Pennington

James C. Pennington: Experienced Labor and Employment Law Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

Mr. James C. Pennington is a distinguished attorney based in Birmingham, Alabama, with over two decades of experience representing employers in labor and employment law matters. As the Managing Shareholder and founding member of Ogletree Deakins’ Birmingham Office, Mr. Pennington has dedicated his career to helping employers achieve peaceful and productive workplaces.

Practice Areas

• Labor Law - Management
• Education Law
• Employment Law - Management

Mr. Pennington’s comprehensive experience includes a wide range of labor and employment law matters, such as:

• Administrative agency charges
• Federal and state court litigation
• Union campaigns and collective bargaining

To prevent workplace disputes, Mr. Pennington provides management training and develops defensive documentation like employee handbooks, dispute avoidance and resolution policies, and drug and alcohol testing policies. He is also well-known for his expertise in navigating the intersection of disabilities and leave laws.

Awards

• Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management (2026)
• Lawyer of the Year: Employment Law - Management (2024) & (2021), Lawyer of the Year: Education Law (2023)
• Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009

Mr. Pennington has also arbitrated many labor contract arbitration matters before labor arbitrators and is a founder of the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group, where he represents colleges and universities on labor, employment, academic policies, and student discipline issues.

Education & Credentials

• Firms: Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2009
• Affiliations: Chambers USA (2007-2018), Birmingham Super Lawyer
• Universities: Vanderbilt University
• Languages:
• Bar Admissions:
• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Vanderbilt University, 2005

Professional Affiliations

• Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC - Member
• Birmingham Super Lawyer (2018-present)