More about james

 JAMES L. BANKS, JR.

Potomac Falls, VA 20165 | (703) 895-4940 | James.Banks@jbanksconsultingllc.com | linkedin.com/in/james-l-banks-jr

SUMMARY 

An accomplished and dynamic senior executive with extensive experience in legal strategy, operations transformation authority, education, legal operations management, strategic decision making, appellate advocacy, executive coaching, and leadership development. Possesses a proven track record of implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges across diverse sectors, including litigation, nonprofit organizations, associations, and academia. A visionary leader and trusted advisor who forges strong relationships committed to driving organizational growth, efficiency, and excellence as an invaluable asset in any leadership, educational, or advisory role.

Business Vision and Strategy | Public Affairs and Advocacy | Team Building and Leadership | Litigation and Justice Systems Board Governance | Client and Stakeholder Relations | Influencing and Decision Making | Negotiation and Client Conflict Relationship Management | Training and Development | Organizational Restructuring | Non-Profit Management

 EXPERIENCE 

CHARITIES AID FOUNDATION OF AMERICA   Alexandria, VA

General Counsel & Chief Risk Officer ...................................................................................................................................2024-Present

Champions legal compliance, provides internal legal services, and assists in the recruitment and supervision of outside counsel while managing a wide array of risks and compliance requirements inherent to the mission and function of CAF America.

JBANKS CONSULTING LLC                                                                                                                                              Potomac Falls, VA

President/CEO ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….2024-Present

Engages in executive coaching, leadership development, and general corporate advice, guidance, and counseling for select clients across a wide range of industries and organizational size.

• Vistage Chair. Improving the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of CEO’s, business owners, and key executives of small and medium-sized businesses.

SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (SHRM)                                                                                         Alexandria, VA

General Counsel  ......................................................................................................................................................................2018-2023

Led effort to revitalize, streamline, and make legal operations of company more efficient and effective, successfully supervising organization’s legal department. Oversaw work of outside counsel and served as key lawyer and legal advisor on major business transactions while effectively managing up to 15 outside lawyers.

• Managed strategic acquisition of two new subsidiaries, driving organizational growth and expansion.

• Pioneered adoption of co-sourced legal services model, revolutionizing organization’s legal operations and driving increased productivity and cost savings. Managed annual budget of approximately $5M.

• Developed and implemented the company’s risk management practices as integral part of everyday business operations through seamless integration within legal department, resulting in a cost savings of 10%.

• Spearheaded creation of groundbreaking accessibility model, revolutionizing all programs and events.

• Led transformation of legal function of SHRM, which initially started with six direct reports and limited outside counsel; strategically streamlined operations; and reduced direct reports to 2.5.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA                                                                                                                                                          Alexandria, VA

City Attorney ...............................................................................................................................................................................2009-2018

Advised legal operations with vast legal acumen to bring higher level of transparency to elected City Council members. Functioned as trusted advisor, counseling and representing Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and multiple departments’ diverse legal matters. Oversaw team of 16 direct reports in City Attorney’s Office.

• Utilized exceptional advocacy skills to argue cases before Virginia Supreme Court on behalf of City, effectively presenting persuasive legal arguments resulting in exemplary rulings.

• Defended City effectively against Waterfront Redevelopment Plan challenges.

• Restructured and improved City Attorney’s Office functions, optimizing performance and effectiveness.

• Led and deployed efficient electronic case management solution for City Attorney’s Office.

• Implemented innovative tax enforcement system, resulting in significant enhancement of real estate tax collection rates.

SEYFARTH SHAW LLP                                                                                                                                                      Washington, DC

Partner ........................................................................................................................................................................................2008-2009

Led in trial litigation of labor and employment law cases for large corporate clients and chosen for significant trial experience with long string of successful dismissals of cases at summary judgment stage, securing significant wins for corporate clients. Provided counsel on various employment matters, such as hiring practices, compensation issues, employee discipline, termination, and non-competition agreements under various acts and legal statutes. Extended beyond initial employment to include commercial litigation.

• Showcased track record of excellence by effectively handling numerous bench and jury trials in state and federal courts.

• Obtained the highest summary judgment dismissals and achieved commendable track record in resolving complex legal cases.

• Demonstrated expertise in appellate advocacy by securing exceptional outcomes in multiple cases at federal appellate level.

MCGUIREWOODS, LLP                                                                                                                             Richmond & Tysons Corner, VA

Partner ........................................................................................................................................................................................1998-2008

• Litigator specializing in labor and employment law, advocating for large corporate clients in trial litigation.

• Successfully secured dismissals of cases at the summary judgment stage.

• Consistently delivered significant wins for clients.

• Expertise in commercial litigation, allowing provision of comprehensive counsel on a wide range of legal issues.

• Handled numerous bench trials and jury trials in both state and federal courts.

• Effectively navigated complex legal cases, obtaining the highest summary judgment dismissals and achieving commendable outcomes in resolving legal disputes.

• Demonstrated expertise in appellate advocacy, securing exceptional outcomes in multiple cases at the federal appellate level.

EDUCATION

WALDEN UNIVERSITY, Minneapolis, MN

Master of Public Policy

RICHMOND CHRISTIAN CENTER SCHOOL OF MINISTRY, Richmond, VA

Diploma

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF LAW, Charlottesville, VA

Juris Doctor

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE, Gettysburg, PA

B.A. (Cum Laude), Sociology

PRESENTATIONS

Pittsburgh Legal Diversity & Inclusion Coalition, “In-House Counsel Leadership for DEI Success”.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “Washington Outlook: What’s Next for Workplace Policy”. 

American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section, “The Power of People Analytics”.

Virginia State Bar Professionalism Course.

International Institute of Municipal Clerks Annual Conference, courses in “Ethics and Personnel Policy and Law.”

City of Alexandria, Leadership Management Institute, “Conflict Resolution and Mediation.”

Virginia Municipal Clerks Association's 33rd Annual Conference on "Getting Along with Elected Officials – How to Say ‘No’". Metropolitan Business League’s 2006 Virginia Business Empowerment Conference on "Corporate Self-Analysis, Diversity & Discrimination Insights".

Virginia Bar Association Corporate Counsel event, Labor and Employment Concerns.

National Juvenile Defender Center, Leadership Summit, “Ethical Issues and Challenges Confronting Juvenile Defenders.”

Virginia State Bar Annual Ethics Conference, “Ethics Grab-Bag.”

Lorman Education Services, “Legal Ethics.”

Virginia State Bar, 25th Disciplinary Conference.

McGuireWoods Annual Labor and Employment Law Conference.

AWARDS 

Leader in the Law, Virginia Lawyers Weekly

Top Lawyer in Employment Law, Washingtonian Magazine 

Virginia Super Lawyer

Best Lawyer in America