Atty. James B. Yates

Atty. James B. Yates

James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law.

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Profile Summary

About James B. Yates at a glance

James B. Yates is a employment attorney based in Toledo, Ohio, practicing at Eastman & Smith LTD. Educated at The Ohio State University (J.D., 1990). Recognitions include Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo) (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026). Serands clients in Toledo, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

James B. Yates represents public and private sector employers in all facets of labor and employment law. He is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

A member of Eastman & Smith, Mr. Yates's practice encompasses collective bargaining, general personnel planning and counseling, equal employment opportunity matters, workers' compensation and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Mr. Yates has represented employers in labor and employment law related matters with various agencies such as the Industrial Commission, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), State Employee Retirement Board (SERB), Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and in state and federal courts and arbitration tribunals. He regularly consults with clients regarding the drafting and implementation of employment policies and conducts supervisor training. Mr. Yates is a frequent speaker at seminars regarding a myriad of labor and employment law topics.

    Practice Areas Explained

    James B. Yates's Areas of Practice

    Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James B. Yates handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

    Employment Law

    Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

    James B. Yates is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →

    Jurisdictional Context

    Why local counsel matters in Ohio

    Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Toledo are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

    Looking for additional Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Toledo or all attorneys in Ohio.

    Frequently Asked

    Common questions about James B. Yates

    Where is James B. Yates's law office located?
    James B. Yates's law practice is located in Toledo, Ohio. The firm is Eastman & Smith LTD. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
    What practice areas does James B. Yates handle?
    James B. Yates focuses on employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Ohio.
    Where did James B. Yates go to law school?
    James B. Yates earned their education at (J.D., 1990).
    How can I contact James B. Yates for a consultation?
    You can contact James B. Yates directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
    What awards or recognition has James B. Yates received?
    James B. Yates's notable recognition includes: Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo); Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management.

    Practice Areas

    Education

    J.D.
    The Ohio State University
    - 1990

    Awards

    Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Toledo)
    - 2026
    Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
    - 2026

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