Hon. James R. Melinson (Ret.)

James Melinson
T: 215-246-9494
F: 215-246-0949
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Case Manager

Doreen Lavery
JAMS
1717 Arch Street
Suite 3810
Philadelphia, PA 19103
T: 215-246-9494
F: 215-246-0949

Lawyers Comments:

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

“He has the most effective settlement technique I’ve ever seen.”

“He was very well prepared.”

“Superb demeanor.”

“He settled a complex case all parties thought was impossible to settle.”

“He rules promptly and fairly.”

“He is completely fair and knows the law.”

“He is a gentleman who treats lawyers very well.”

“He’s hardworking, smart, committed and honest.”

-Almanac of the Federal Judiciary

General Biography

Specialties

Locations

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

Representative Matters

  • 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

Honors, Memberships, and Professional Activities

  • 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

Background and Education

  • 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

Disclaimer

This page is for general information purposes.  JAMS makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness.  Interested persons should conduct their own research regarding information on this website before deciding to use JAMS, including investigation and research of JAMS neutrals. See More

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