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I admire all of the dedicated school teachers in this country who have the desire, passion and energy to teach students to enable them to be successful in today’s world.

Primary Practice:

James (Jim) Keith advises clients in the areas of employment, education and administrative law. A focus of his practice involves the representation of educational entities, including school districts, community colleges and universities. Jim has advised school districts on employee matters, student issues, board/administration interaction, and education of students with disabilities. He has handled these matters in administrative hearings and in state and federal court. Jim has advised universities and colleges on issues involving student rights as well as on employment matters.

He has represented employers in all areas of employment law, litigation and administrative proceedings, with extensive experience in discrimination cases of all types, including race, sex, age, religion and disability. He has advised on wage/hour litigation and represented employers before administrative agencies, state trial and appellate courts, and federal trial and appellate courts.

Before attending law school, Jim was in mid-level management at AT&T in Miami, where he supervised approximately 200 employees, most of whom were members of the Communication Workers of America labor union. He handled all aspects of management/labor disputes, including employee reprimands and dismissals, walkouts, charges of unfair labor practices and other employment issues.

Presentations

Jim has presented in Mississippi and nationwide on issues involving the education of students with disabilities and other education topics. 

  • "Legal Essentials Navigating School District Leadership Challenges," Southern Region Leadership Conference for Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, July 2024
  • "Mississippi High School Activities Association Updates and Legal Issues Related to Athletics and Activities," Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS)/Alliance Summer Convention, July 2024
  • "Special Education Legal Updates," Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS)/Alliance Summer Convention, July 2024
  • "Legal Issues Impacting Schools," Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS)/Alliance Summer Convention, July 2024
  • "Legal Issues in This Era of Transformation," Mississippi Association of School Superintendents (MASS)/Alliance Summer Convention, July 2024
  • "Personnel Performance, Education Employment Procedures Law (EEPL), Terminations, Job Description, Personnel Contracts," Mississippi School Boards Association Legal Hot Topics Series, January 2020
  • "Dangerous Liaisons: Supervisor-Subordinate Relationships," Mississippi School Boards Association Policy Conference, September 2018
  • "Making the Connection Between Bullying and Suicide," Mississippi School Boards Association Policy Conference, September 2018 

Publications

Jim has authored several special education articles and has contributed to national publications involving the education of students with disabilities.

Education

  • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., 1982
  • Mississippi State University, B.S., 1971

Bar Admissions

  • Mississippi
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Areas of Practice

Acknowledgements

Jim received the inaugural Mississippi School Boards Association “Friend of Education” recognition in 2008 for his work representing school districts throughout the State of Mississippi. He was awarded the Mississippi Association of School Administrators 2006 “Friend of Education” Award in appreciation of his dedicated support of public education.

Jim is listed in Best Lawyers® in Education Law, Employment Law - Management, and Labor Law - Management.  He is also honored by Mid-South Super Lawyers® in Schools and Education Law.

He is also a Mississippi Bar Foundation Fellow.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

  • Mississippi Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • Bar Association of the Fifth Federal Circuit
  • Mississippi School Boards Association
  • National Council of School Board Attorneys, Vice-Chair 2018
  • Mississippi Bar Association
  • Capital Area Bar Association
  • Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Board Member
  • Gleaners, Inc., Volunteer
  • NSBA Council of School Attorneys, Chair

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