Overview
Throughout his career, Jim has been lucky enough to benefit from two different mentors. Both with very similar lessons to convey, Jim learned that being prepared and believing in your own convictions make for a solid foundation in which to practice law. This philosophy helps Jim serve as general counsel to several towns, cities, counties and school districts. In addition, he advises municipalities, on an outside counsel basis, on a broad variety of municipal law issues including planning and redevelopment, public records and open meetings and zoning appeals matters, and serving as an independent hearing officer and special prosecutor. Jim also advises private developers with zoning, permitting and negotiating development agreements.
As a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Service Group, Jim brings more than 40 years of experience assisting clients in collective bargaining issues and employment law matters. Jim’s background as a former HR Director for Green Bay County and Brown County gives him a unique perspective into personnel issues. From drafting policies to conducting investigations to reorganization studies and strategies, Jim successfully represents public and private sector employers.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Member: Wisconsin Public Employer Labor Relations Association (WPELRA); Society for Human Resource Management
Honors
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Labor Law - Management: 2024
Resources & Insights
Alerts
Speaking Engagements
Blog Posts
Firm News
- Free Speech from the Tinker Era Through 2021 and BeyondFree Speech from the Tinker Era Through 2021 and Beyond
Join James Kalny and Abby (Busler) Tilkens for their presentation, "Free Speech from the Tinker Era Through 2021 and Beyond" at the WASB/WSAA School Law Conference & Workshop.
- 103 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2024 in America103 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2024 in America
We are extremely excited to congratulate 103 of our attorneys on being recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2024 in America.
- Communal Anaerobic Digester Systems -- Moving to Help Save the Dairy IndustryCommunal Anaerobic Digester Systems -- Moving to Help Save the Dairy Industry
Amundsen Davis attorneys will present during the Town Law Conference.
- 34th Annual School Law Seminar: Dealing with Applicant/Employee Criminal Issues34th Annual School Law Seminar: Dealing with Applicant/Employee Criminal Issues
When an applicant has a criminal conviction in their background or a current employee is charged with or convicted of a crime, School Districts need to be aware of the provisions of Wisconsin’s arrest and conviction record protections within the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act. The Amundsen Davis School and Higher Education Team will discuss multiple issues which can arise in such scenarios, along with practical advice for Administration when assessing options in the school employment setting.
Services
Education
Marquette University Law School, J.D.
Carthage College, B.A.
Admissions
- Wisconsin
- Supreme Court of the United States