James A. Spizzo

Shareholder

T: 312-609-7705 F: 312-609-5005

Chicago

James A. Spizzo is a shareholder at Vedder Price and a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Area. He has extensive, broad-based experience representing employers in many different industries and in the public sector. His practice covers all aspects of labor and employment law including employment discrimination litigation before the agencies and courts. He counsels both unionized and non-unionized clients in complex and developing areas of labor and employment relations and contract administration. Mr. Spizzo has extensive collective bargaining experience and serves as chief negotiator for a variety of employers in many different industries. Additionally, he serves as outside counsel to the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. He is a frequent lecturer at employment law seminars sponsored by such diverse groups as the American Bar Association, Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Northwest Human Resources Council, Chicagoland Chamber, Loyola University and the Southwestern Illinois Industrial Association.

Mr. Spizzo is recognized by his peers with the highest Martindale-Hubbell rating; and the Leading Lawyers Network lists him in the top five percent of Illinois attorneys for Employment Law and Labor Law. He was selected by his peers for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers for 2009 and 2010.  He served for many years as Chair of the firm’s traditional labor practice group (1994–2006).

Mr. Spizzo has served as legal counsel to the Illinois Senate Minority Leader and as Counsel to the Spokespersons and members of the Labor and Commerce and Executive Committees. He was a liaison to major business and trade associations, the Governor’s office and other public and private sector groups. Mr. Spizzo also served as Labor Relations Counsel for the State of Illinois with responsibility for statewide human resources programs, collective bargaining and arbitration matters encompassing over 60,000 employees.

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• Update on the Employee Free Choice Act
• Significant Changes to Illinois Victims' Economic Security & Safety Act Merit Review by IL Employers
• The Employee Free Choice Act – A Post-Inauguration Update
• Amendments to Illinois Human Rights Act Provide Direct Access to State Courts

• Arbitration / Grievances / Mediation
• Collective Bargaining
• Discrimination Law
• Employment Litigation
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• Health Law Labor Services
• Labor and Employment Law
• Labor Relations
• Strike Support
• Supervisor Training
• Trade and Professional Associations, Accrediting and Not-For-Profit Organizations

• J.D., University of Iowa, 1978
• B.A., with honors, Illinois College, 1974

• Illinois, 1979
• U.S. District Court, Northern and Central Districts of Illinois, 1979
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1996