Hampton, Shane F.

Jim Rydzel's practice includes counseling in the areas of labor and employment matters, with special focus on employment-related litigation. This includes labor arbitrations and all types of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proceedings. Jim's counseling activities have involved all phases of labor relations, including articulation of negotiation goals and strategies, strike preparation, temporary and permanent replacement of strikers, and picket line and Boys Market injunctions. His litigation experience includes a large number of ERISA cases, particularly involving retiree medical benefits, individually and on a class basis for both union and salaried retirees. His clients have included traditional manufacturing operations and white-collar, service-related industries.

He is a member of the ABA (Labor and Employment Law Section and Litigation Section). He is also a member of the bar of several federal circuits and districts, including the Sixth Circuit. Jim was an adjunct professor of law at Case Western Reserve University, where he taught advanced courses in employment litigation, and has lectured extensively on employment matters.