Overview
James Bartley has more than 45 years of experience practicing in all areas of public employment and school and municipal law. He has advised and represented clients in numerous employment law matters, negotiated hundreds of collective bargaining agreements for school districts and municipalities and handled many arbitrations and employment-related disputes before the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Labor Relations Board, the EEOC and in state and federal court.
Professional Affiliations
- James is a member of the Illinois, Nevada and Chicago Bar Associations. He served on the executive board of the Education Law Committee of the Illinois State Bar.
- James is a member of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys, having chaired and served on its executive committee for numerous years, as well as the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
- For over 15 years, James has worked with the Village of Hopkins Park, Kankakee County, pro bono, to provide legal assistance for the operation of the Village which has very limited financial resources. For eight years, he has served on the Board of Directors of Step-Alive NFP, which has a mission to reach at risk teens through instruction of Chicago Style Steppin.
Awards and Recognition
- James has been named a Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media, a peer-recommended distinction awarded to fewer than 5% of attorneys in Illinois.
Publications
- School Board Meetings and Records – author, Illinois Association of School Boards
- “Guide to Illinois Statutes Affecting Schools” – author, Illinois Association of School Boards
- “Compliance with Sex Equity Rules – author, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
- Updated Chapter 10 in Formal Dismissal and Suspension Procedures Under Illinois Tenure Law– author, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education