Jim McMackin chairs the firm’s employment law and education practices.

He provides comprehensive legal representation to Delaware’s school districts, numerous municipalities, and private employers.

Jim routinely functions as primary counsel in state and federal court and arbitrations concerning wage and hour claims, constitutional claims, discrimination claims, labor grievances, alleged unfair labor practice actions, and employment contract disputes. His clients frequently consult with him for advice and counseling, policy drafting, and compliance audits and reviews.

The depth of Jim’s legal experience distinguishes him and gives his clients a unique advantage. Jim’s peers recognize him as a leader in the field of employment litigation. Chambers USA describes Jim McMackin as a knowledgeable and well-rounded lawyer for his enforcement of post-employment restrictions and his defense of discrimination claims.

Experience
  • Representation of employers in all varieties of litigation and administrative proceedings, including employment discrimination, discharge, OSHA enforcement actions and compliance, constitutional claims, wage and hour issues, and restrictive covenants
  • Representation of employers in NLRA and public sector organization, negotiation, unfair labor practice, and grievance matters
  • Arbitrations involving employment-related disputes and the interpretation and application of collective bargaining agreements
  • Counseling aimed at avoiding employment claims
  • Counseling educational institutions on all legal issues and representing such clients in litigation and administrative proceedings relating to special education, the Freedom of Information Act compliance, collective bargaining, and constitutional issues of due process, Freedom of Speech, and the Establishment Clause

Engaged in the Community

  • Children & Families First
    • Board Member, 2011 – 2022
    • Executive Committee
    • Chair of Personnel Committee
  • Ducks Unlimited, State Treasurer, 2019 – 2020
  • Ducks Unlimited, Northern Zone Chair, 2021 – 2022
  • Ducks Unlimited, New Castle County
    • 2012 – 2019 Committee Chair, Life Sponsor
    • 2016 State Chairman of the Year
  • Claymont Community Center, Director, 2006 – 2009
  • Archmere Academy Alumni Council, Former Member
  • Sigma Phi Epsilon
  • ALFA International, Labor & Employment Committee
  • Town of Elsmere, Solicitor
Honors
  • Best Lawyers®, 2018 - Present
  • Chambers USA, Labor and Employment, 2016 - Present
    • Up and Coming in Labor and Employment, 2012 - 2015,
  • Delaware Today Top Lawyers
    • Labor Law-Employer, 2014 - 2020
  • Moot Court Honor Society
  • Phi Delta Phi Society
  • Phi Kappa Phi Society

Services

Admissions

  • Delaware, 2002
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Clerkships

  • Intern for The Honorable Jane R. Roth, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Education

  • Widener Law, 2002
  • Muhlenberg College, 1996

Professional Affiliations

  • Delaware State Bar Association
    • Labor and Employment Section, Chair, 2009 – 2010
    • Vice Chair, 2008-2009; Secretary, 2007 – 2008
  • American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
  • Board of Bar Examiners, Former Associate Member