SPECIALIZED, NATIONAL LAW FIRM: The Law Offices of James S. Ray PLLC is a nationally honored, experienced law firm that focuses on Employee Benefits Law, including ERISA,  Labor & Employment Law, Labor-Management Relations, and Dispute Resolution.

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Mr. Ray has held the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards (Martindale - Hubell Law Directory Preeminent AV) for 30 years, and has been listed in the Bar Register Of Preeminent Lawyers and in the Best Lawyers in America directories for decades, based on peer evaluations.  He is a Charter Fellow of the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers and a Charter Fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel.

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CLIENTS:  The core of the firm's practice are several national labor organizations, multi employer benefit trust funds (pension, health and welfare, training), and labor-management organizations that have been valued clients for decades.  Our long association with these organizations has allowed us to gain a detailed understanding of their missions, concerns, issues, needs, perspective, culture and history.  This understanding enables us to provide superior service to our clients.  Practicing law for our clients means much more to us than merely earning a living.

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APPROACH: We look for cost-efficient, creative solutions to client problems through a multi-dimensional lens.  There are many tools in our toolbox.  The most appropriate approach to a problem might be as simple as discussion, quiet diplomacy or negotiation.  Or, it might involve alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation and arbitration.  Or, it might require Federal court litigation anywhere in the United States, prosecuting or defending.  Or, it might involve government agency action.  Or, it might take Congressional action.  Or, it might lie in building coalitions with other organizations.  Or, it might call for a combination of approaches, depending on the circumstances and objective.

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Regarding labor-management relations, we identify with labor organizations and their members, but understand that labor and management are fundamentally interdependent and have common interests.  A fair balance of interests is necessary for the long term success of both.  Acrimony is rarely productive for either party.

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