Pierce Atwood

James R. Erwin

Partner

Portland, Maine
Phone: 207-791-1237
jerwin@pierceatwood.com
www.pierceatwood.com


James R. Erwin

Partner - Portland, Maine Office

Direct Dial: 207-791-1237

jerwin@pierceatwood.com


Experience

Jim is the Chair of the firm’s Employment Group. He has extensive state and federal litigation experience in a wide range of substantive areas at the trial, appellate, administrative and arbitration levels.  In the employment area he has successfully defended sexual harassment, age, disability, retaliation, defamation, and discharge cases, and obtained contempt findings and a fine against a union for strike violence.

A former member of the Maine Human Rights Commission, Jim counsels employers on employment and labor issues, conducts training sessions on sexual harassment and other workplace issues, and investigates harassment claims for employers. He also advocates for employers before the Maine State Legislature and administrative agencies on selected, important issues of public policy.

Jim joined Pierce Atwood in 1987. Before that he served for five years as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maine. In that capacity he prosecuted homicides statewide and advised multiple state agencies on law enforcement matters.

Honors and Distinctions

Jim is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.  He is also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers for labor and employment law.

Publications

Jim served as an author and editor of the ABA Section of Litigation’s, “Model Jury Instructions: Employment Litigation, 2d. Ed.” and “Employment Litigation Handbook.”

Professional Activities

Jim is a member of the board of directors of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance for Maine's Future and a former director of the American Counsel Association.  He is also a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce Labor Relations Policy Committee.


  • Pierce Atwood Blogs with up to the date, expert information about leading legal mattersLearn More »
  • Pierce Atwood LLP Partners Named Lawyers of the Year by Best Lawyers 2010Learn More »
  • Pierce Atwood LLP named as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for Second YearLearn More »
  • Pierce Atwood's Catalyst Program; designed to help provide legal guidance to entrepreneurs and start up companies.Learn More »

Education

Jim graduated with honors from Phillips Exeter Academy (1971). He received his A.B. from Dartmouth College, cum laude, with High Distinction in English, (1975) and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law (1978). He also completed the National District Attorneys Association Career Prosecutor Course at the University of Houston (1982).

Bar Admissions

Jim is admitted to practice in Maine; the U.S. District Court, District of Maine; and the U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit.

Representative Matters

Allen v. International Paper CompanyBarker v. International Paper Co.Cole v. ChandlerMore >>

In the News



Authored Alerts

March 29, 2010   Sick Leave Bill Fails in Legislature
May 29, 2009   Report from Washington
May 19, 2009   "Caregiver" Discrimination Bill Passes Maine House
More >>

Associated Alerts

3/21/2007 - Disability Bill Gains Support of Employer Coalition
1/19/2007 - Employment Legislation



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