Employment | Hon. James R. Melinson (Ret.), JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator

Employment Biography

Judge Melinson’s experience as a judge, litigator, and neutral enable him to handle complex and arduous employment cases.

Action brought by employee against national securities brokerage
Action for wrongful discharge brought by Chief of Police against the local government, the mayor, and other governmental officials
Age discrimination claims against national retail chain
Age discrimination claims of on-air talent against television network
Case involving allegations of breaches to marketing and endorsement contracts between professional athlete and sports marketing company
Executive compensation and contract dispute involving high-level executive and regional healthcare company
Gender based discrimination and retaliation case against university
Hostile work environment cases
Sarbanes-Oxley cases, e.g. terminated CEO against the employer-corporation, a leading national retail chain
Sexual harassment, religious discrimination, and retaliation claims against a private school

Numerous honors and awards including the Philadelphia Bar Association’s highest honor, The Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Distinguished Jurist Award, 2004, several Person of the Year Awards, and Distinguished Judicial Service Awards
Member, Judicial Resources Committee, United States Judicial Conference
Member, Advisory Committee of the Civil Justice Reform Act
Chairman, Committee on Magistrate Judges, American Bar Association: National Conference of Trial Judges
Member: American Bar Association, American Judges Association, Appellate Judges Conference, Federal Bar Association, Federal Magistrate Judges Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Philadelphia Bar Association, and other professional organizations
Neutral Arbitrator, Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia
Special Advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense for contract negotiations
General Counsel to Whiting-Patterson Co., Inc.
Chief Counsel to International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 159, AFL-CIO
Chief Negotiator, School District of Philadelphia

Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 1990-2004 (Chief Magistrate Judge, 1997-2004)
Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania
Private Law Practice, Philadelphia, PA
J.D., Temple University School of Law (Full Academic Scholarship)
U.S. Army, Artillery Small Unit Commander
B.A., with honors, LaSalle University

“He’s the best Judge to appear before if you want to get the case settled that day.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He has the most effective settlement technique I’ve ever seen.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He was very well prepared.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“Superb demeanor.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
"He settled a complex case all parties thought was impossible to settle.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He rules promptly and fairly.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He is completely fair and knows the law.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He is a gentleman who treats lawyers very well.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary
“He’s hardworking, smart, committed and honest.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary

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