James M. Leva

Partner

Parsippany, NJ

| (973) 966-8416

Stamford, CT

| (973) 966-8416

jleva@daypitney.com

Overview

James Leva, a labor and employment lawyer, regularly defends employers against all types of employment-related claims, including discrimination, harassment, whistleblower and retaliation claims. He represents clients before state and federal courts, as well as government agencies. James has represented employers of all sizes from a number of different industries, including the financial, telecommunications, retail, pharmaceutical, logistics, manufacturing and insurance industries.

In addition to handling complex employment litigation, James routinely counsels employers on day-to-day compliance with the spectrum of laws governing the employer-employee relationship. He also regularly assists companies with protecting their confidential information and trade secrets. James has successfully represented companies and individuals in injunction hearings arising from and related to non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation and other restrictive covenant agreements. He also routinely works with clients to prepare such agreements and to strategize the onboarding and offboarding of employees subject to restrictive covenants.

James has substantial experience counseling employers on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance and with OSHA investigations. He defends employers with OSHA whistleblower cases and before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Experience

Successfully defended Fortune 500 company against retaliation claims in 5-day bench trial

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of Fortune 500 company on age discrimination claim

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of large employer on former employee's hostile work environment, and race and age discrimination claims

Successfully represented several employers in wage/hour audits before United States Department of Labor and Connecticut Department of Labor

Education and Credentials

Education

University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 2011, Connecticut Law Review, Editor
The George Washington University, B.A., 2008

Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
State of Connecticut
State of New Jersey

Affiliations

Connecticut Bar Association
Oliver Ellsworth Inn of Court
Human Resource Leadership Association of Eastern Connecticut
Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey

Recognition and Community

No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.

Recognitions

Chosen for inclusion on 2024 New Leaders of the Bar Award, ALM/Law.com, 2024

Selected to The Best Lawyers in America list of Ones to Watch (Woodward/White, Inc.) for Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2021-2025; Labor and Employment Law - Management, 2024-2025