Jim Nicholas

Partner

Advises employers across the life sciences, technology, and private equity sectors on wage-and-hour litigation, high-stakes employment matters, and transactional employment issues

Jim focuses on federal and state labor and employment law and litigation, advising life sciences, technology, private-equity, and portfolio companies on high-stakes employment matters. He is particularly sought after for complex issues involving employee classification, wage-and-hour compliance, leaves of absence, discrimination and harassment, wrongful termination, and the enforcement of noncompetition and nondisclosure agreements, with deep experience in Massachusetts and California. 

Experience

Representative matters

Obtained dismissal of a nationwide wage-and-hour class action based on enforceability of arbitration agreements applicable to named class representatives.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of staffing agency involving claims by former executive for breach of contract and violation of the Massachusetts Wage Act.
Advised private equity and strategic buyers and sellers on labor and employment matters in transactions across industries such as technology, staffing, health care, logistics, robotics, biotech, and pharmaceuticals.

Recognitions

  • Legal 500 US, Labor and Employment Disputes, 2024-2025 

  • Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law – Management, 2022-2023 and 2025-2026 

  • Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Labor and Employment, 2016-2025

Credentials

Education

  • University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, 2002, J.D., Order of the Coif
  • State University of New York at Geneseo, 1999, B.A.

Professional admissions & qualifications

  • Massachusetts

Court admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals - First Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - District of Massachusetts

Professional affiliations

Hingham Youth Football, Coach/Advisor