Elesia L. James Email & Phone Number

Newark, New Jersey, United States

New Jersey, United States

Delivers professional development training to professionals who support children and families.Provides support to participants, supports the transfer of knowledge, and makes connections to practical examples to maximize retention of learned principles.Participates in planned observations of courses to acquire proficiency in content and build instructional and facilitation competencies.Completes administrative functions related to the course delivered such as completing and collecting required documentation for courses, capturing attendance, attending meetings/conference calls related to the program/course development.

Trenton, New Jersey

Provides advice and counsel to the Board of Education in various matters, including, but not limited to: board governance, labor relations/collective bargaining/employment practices, policies and procedures, special education, school law, public school contracts law, litigation and liabilities, and contracts. Prosecutes and defends litigation brought by or against the Board of Education in the above-mentioned areas. Conducts in-service seminars and programs for faculty/staff/vendors.

Union, New Jersey

Counseled and defended local government, public entities, and public school districts in a wide range of claims involving: civil rights, employment law, labor, and personal injury claimsCounseled and defended private employers in employment matters in state and federal courts

Matawan, New Jersey, United States

Counseled and defended public sector employers in areas of labor and employment law in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies, including claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and retaliation; counseled clients regarding policies and handbooks, discipline, termination, investigations, and other related issues Represented boards of education and charter schools on personnel matters, including, but not limited to: compliance, ethics, hiring and nonrenewal decisions, staff reorganization, tenure hearings, policy development, staff training, employee and union grievances and grievance proceedings, employee discipline, civil rights, collective bargaining negotiations, and student issues in administrative forums, alternate dispute resolution forums, and in state and federal courts Represented boards of education in student issues including, but not limited to: special education petitions, compliance, complaint investigations, emergent hearings, due process hearings and appeals, student residency issues, harassment and bullying complaints and investigations, personal injury claims, discrimination in Title VI, Title IX, and the ADA, and Section 504 protections in mediation, administrative forums, and federal courts

Princeton, New Jersey

Newark, New Jersey

Defended public school districts, educational service commissions, and charter schools in various claims such as: employment discrimination; harassment; retaliation; grievance/arbitration and unfair labor practice charges; family medical leave laws; personal injury; increment withholdings; tenure matters; and student issues including, but not limited to, special education; student discipline; HIB; Title IX; and residency issues;Represented clients in administrative courts, state courts, district court, and state agencies such as PERC;Provided client counseling and training in education law compliance and human resources best practices (i.e.: Documenting Employee Misconduct & Employee Discipline; Legal Issues in Special Education; IEP’s & 504 Plans; Transgender Students & Staff in Public Schools; and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying)

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Drafted memoranda and opinions on complex legal issues, including complex commercial litigation, labor & employment, legal and medical malpractice, and personal injury cases;Made bi-weekly recommendations to Judge regarding disposition of 80-150 motions;Assisted in the preparation and coordination of motion hearings, case management conferences, and trials;Mediated small claims cases in the Special Civil Division as a court-trained mediator

Princeton, Nj

Analyzed electronic evidence in a United States District Court of NJ case of considerable importance.

Camden, Nj

Drafted lesson plans on & taught criminal law & criminal procedure to high school students

Camden, Nj

Advised undergraduate students on law school applications/admissions process;Reviewed assignments and provided feedback on legal writing and oral advocacy;Provided support for academic sessions and various events, i.e. courthouse tours; law firm visits; etc

Camden, Nj

• Provided academic assistance to students in various subjects

Martinsville, New Jersey

• Managed all aspects of center logistics• Taught students ages 4-21, assessed student progress, and led parent and staff conferences

Juris Doctor, Law

Activities and Societies: Secretary of the Black Law Students Association, and Vice President of Entertainment for the Sports.

Paralegal Certificate With Distinction, Paralegal Studies

B.A., English, Cum Laude