James M. "Jim" Coleman, Employment Attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Employment and Litigation
Fairfax, VA
Practicing employment in Fairfax since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James M. "Jim" Coleman?
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Quick answer
James M. "Jim" Coleman is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. James has over 45 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Fairfax, VIRGINIA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Employment · Litigation
- Handles Employment and Litigation matters from Fairfax, VIRGINIA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026).
About James M. "Jim" Coleman: James M. "Jim" Coleman is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. James has over 45 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James M. "Jim" Coleman
James concentrates on employment and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment cases in Fairfax, Virginia
James takes employment matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Fairfax, Virginia
James takes litigation matters in Fairfax, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James M. "Jim" Coleman — Over 45 years of Virginia employment experience
James M. "Jim" Coleman is an attorney based in Fairfax, VIRGINIA. The practice focuses on Employment and Litigation. James has over 45 years of legal experience.
Jim Coleman has forty years of experience in counseling employers on wage and hour matters, as well as defending employers in wage and hour litigation and administrative proceedings. His expertise includes in-depth knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and many comparable state wage and hour laws. Jim served as General Counsel for the National Council of Chain Restaurants for two decades, and through his representation of the trade association, as well as many of its member companies, he has developed considerable expertise in addressing legal issues of particular concern to the food service industry. Jim has also represented the chain restaurant industry before Congress in connection with legislative matters involving the FLSA and the NLRA.
Jim is widely regarded for his expertise in counseling employers on numerous labor law issues, including wage and hour standards, child labor restrictions, occupational safety and health standards, and employment discrimination. He has successfully defended many large chain restaurant employers in litigation brought by the U.S. Department of Labor concerning wage and hour, child labor, and OSHA matters. Jim has also defended many employers against lawsuits involving claims of employment discrimination, wrongful termination, and related charges. Jim's litigation speciality is the defense of wage and hour class and collective actions. Jim serves as the Co-Chair of the firm’s Wage & Hour Practice Group.
How James handles employment matters
Jim Coleman has forty years of experience in counseling employers on wage and hour matters, as well as defending employers in wage and hour litigation and administrative proceedings. His expertise includes in-depth knowledge of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and many comparable state wage and hour laws. Jim served as General Counsel for the National Council of Chain Restaurants for two…
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment and litigation matters in Fairfax and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
James M. "Jim" Coleman's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 1981
Florida State University
BS · 1978
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Virginia
1987 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1981 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Georgetown University and BS in Florida State University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Georgetown University and BS in Florida State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James M. "Jim" Coleman
James has received 22 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Contract Disputes
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Defense
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Retail
2026
Best Lawyers in America — State and Federal
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wage-Hour Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wrongful Discharge
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — ALM’s Legal Leaders: Washington D.C. & Baltimore’s Top Rated Lawyers, 2015
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Virginia Super Lawyers (2006-2012, 2014-2016)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington, DC Super Lawyers
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Highly ranked in Chambers USA Guide
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026).
Locations
James M. "Jim" Coleman's office in Fairfax
James's primary office is at 12500 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 300, Fairfax, Virginia, 12500. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James M. "Jim" Coleman
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James M. "Jim" Coleman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a employment attorney in Fairfax, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James M. "Jim" Coleman
How much does it cost to hire James for a employment case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some employment attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple employment matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Fairfax?
James is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new employment clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Employment attorneys serving Fairfax, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia
James handles employment matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated employment attorneys in Virginia
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these employment attorneys in Fairfax handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





