Attorneys

“Whether I’m managing the firm or managing my clients’ needs, listening is the most important thing I can do. My clients, and I, will only be successful if I truly understand the scope of their objectives. How can I go about finding solutions if I don’t know what their end goal is?”

James Hammerschmidt

Co-President (He/Him)

301-951-9338
301-654-7354 FAX
jrh@paleyrothman.com

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(He/Him)

Jim Hammerschmidt is Co-President of the firm, Chair of the Employment Law group, and a member of its Litigation and Appellate Practice groups. His practice includes a range of commercial, corporate, and employment counseling and litigation, but his primary task is listening. The first thing Jim does when meeting with a client is ask, “What is your goal?” In doing this, Jim is able to determine the client’s expectations and whether we will be able to meet them. Only then can he really set about meeting his clients’ business needs.

Jim has extensive experience representing and counseling clients on employment law issues. He represents clients in federal and state court, as well as before agencies such as the EEOC, Department of Labor, and local and state human rights commissions and labor departments. He handles claims arising under Title VII, ERISA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, ADEA, Wage Payment and Collection Law, and Wage and Hour Law statutes, including class actions. He has extensive litigation experience on a wide range of employment issues, such as breach of contract, wrongful termination, trade secret claims, and non-competition and non-solicitation agreements. In addition to litigation, Jim provides daily advice to clients dealing with difficult employees and employee discipline, and his role as Co-President of the firm puts him in a unique position to apply his internal experience to client issues. He also routinely assists clients in developing and implementing employment policies and practices, drafting employee manuals and preparing employment agreements.

Jim’s general civil litigation and appellate practice includes matters involving real estate, land development, breach of contract, trusts and estates, construction, shareholder disputes, business disputes, protection of trade secrets and confidential information among many others. His critical attention to detail and access to a strong litigation department puts clients at ease, knowing they are receiving high quality representation.

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Bar Admissions
  • Maryland

  • District of Columbia

  • United States District Court for the District of Maryland

  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Education
  • J.D., Cum Laude, Saint Louis University School of Law, 1993
       - Executive Editor of the Public Law Review
       - Co-Editor-in-Chief of the American Bar Association’s Fidelity and Surety Law
       - Trial Advocacy Team member
       - Alpha Sigma Nu National Honor Society

  • B.S.B.A., Washington University in St. Louis, 1988

Accolades & Awards
  • "Top Lawyers," - Washingtonian magazine (2022)

  • Daily Record Power List of Top 25 Maryland Business & Employment Lawyers (2022)

  • Best Law Firms – U.S. News & Best Lawyers (2013-2023)
         - Tier 2 National Ranking for Litigation - Labor & Employment
         - Tier 2 National Ranking for Employment Law - Management
         - Tier 1 Metropolitan (D.C. area) Ranking for Litigation - Labor & Employment
         - Tier 1 Metropolitan (D.C. area) Ranking for Employment Law - Management

  • Best Lawyers in America - Best Lawyers (2016-2023)
         - Litigation - Labor and Employment
         - Employment Law - Management 

  • Maryland Super Lawyers (2014-2022)

  • Washington D.C. Super Lawyers (2014-2020)

  • "Top Attorneys," Bethesda Magazine ​(2019, 2021)
         - Employment - Employee
         - Employment - Employer

  • Recognized for his distinguished service to and leadership of the Federal Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Law Section at the FBA Annual Meeting (2011)

  • “President’s Citation for Outstanding Service” from the Bar Association of Montgomery County (2008)

  • AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rated

In The News
Recent Publications
Civic & Community Involvement
  • Bar Association of Montgomery County
         - Member, Strategic Planning Committee (2013-2016)
         - Chair, Budget Committee (2016)
         - Treasurer, Montgomery County Bar Foundation (2014-2015)
         - Treasurer (2013-2014)
         - Treasurer-Elect (2012-2013)
         - Member, Executive Committee (2006-2008)
         - Committee Co-Chair, Bar Foundation Fall Outing Golf & Tennis Classic (2004-2008)
         - Member, Judicial Panel Selection Committee (2001-2004)
         - Co-Chair, Employment Law Section (2000-2001)
         - Co-Chair, District Court Mediation Program (1998-2001)

  • Maryland State Bar Association
         - Co-Chair, Managing Partners Group (2022-2023)
         - Member, Special Committee on Voir Dire (2012-2017)
         - Member, Labor & Employment Law Section Council (2004-2016)

  • Federal Bar Association
         - President, Foundation of the Federal Bar Association (2020-2021)
         - Board Member, Foundation of Federal Bar Association (2014-present)
         - Board Member, Labor and Employment Section (2005-2020)
         - Board Member, National Convention Committee (2011-2014)
         - Chairman of the Board, Board of Governors Maryland Chapter (2012-2013)
         - Secretary, Board of Governors Maryland Chapter (2011-2012)
         - Chair, Labor and Employment Section (2010-2011)
         - Treasurer, Board of Governors Maryland Chapter (2008-2011)
         - Treasurer, Labor and Employment Section (2008-2009)
         - Secretary, Labor and Employment Section (2007-2008)

  • American Bar Association
         - Member, Litigation and Employment Law Sections
         - Past Contributing Editor, Employment Discrimination Law (3d Ed.) and Annual Developments in Business and Corporate Litigation
     

  • Member – Montgomery County Society for Human Resource Management

  • The American Employment Law Council
         - Member (2013-present)
         - Advisory Board Member (2017-2020)

  • National Finance Industry Employment Lawyes Committee
         - Member (2017-present)

  • Pro bono Membership on Board of Directors - Lubuto Library Partners - A 501(c)(3) organization working to build children’s libraries and create educational opportunities for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa

  • Board Counsel to the Board of Trustees - Green Acres School (2006-2009)

Speeches & Presentations
Media Commentary