Jim Cleary

Jim represents employers on all issues concerning the relationship between employee and employer, including discrimination, retaliation, and harassment; covenants not to compete and misappropriation of trade secrets; wrongful termination; wage and hour issues, including failure to pay overtime and misclassification of employees; breach of fiduciary duty and confidence; and breach of employment agreements and contracts. He actively represents employers in federal and state court, arbitration proceedings, and before administrative agencies. In addition, Jim provides counseling to his clients on these issues, including drafting policies, procedures, and agreements relating to all phases of employment. He also handles other forms of complex commercial disputes, both in state and federal courts and in arbitration, as well as prior to the initiation of litigation. Jim also provides corporate assistance to clients, including counseling and drafting relating to company formation and all types of commercial agreements.

Jim is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Employment

Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, L.L.P., May 2001 – present

CEMEX, Inc., Houston, Texas, September 1998 – May 2001

Bracewell & Patterson, L.L.P., Houston, Texas, August 1992 – September, 1998

Certification

Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Texas

Houston Bar Association

Community/Civic Activities

Regent, Concordia University—Texas, 2014 - Present

Reconciler, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, 2004 – 2016

Honors & Awards

Named by peers; Best Lawyers in America – Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2020 - 2021

Named to “Super Lawyers List” for Employment and Labor by Texas Monthly Magazine, 2011–2020

Practice areas