James R, Tanner has practiced law since 1974. During law school, he participated on the Washburn Law School Moot Court Team and the Moot Court Council. He served in the US Army Judge Advocate (JAG) Corps, as criminal defense counsel and as Chief of the Legal Assistance Office at Ft. Riley, Kansas. He served as a civilian counsel at Tooele Army Depot from 1983 until 1998, with an assignment as a Labor Counselor. In that position, he reviewed numerous adverse personnel actions, including suspensions and removals based on discipline, performance, and adverse security clearance determinations. He represented his federal client before EEOC and MSPB administrative judges, as well, as numerous arbitrators.
Mr. Tanner established a private practice of law in 1998, after retirement from the federal government. He has focused primarily on employment law matters, including discharge, suspensions, and other disciplinary proceedings. In addition, he represented employees in performance-based actions and adverse security clearance determinations. For a period of years, he has represented clients in Utah Labor Commission (UALD) discrimination claims. He has assisted employees with replies to employer Pre-Determination notices. He has represented numerous federal employees facing discharge and other disciplinary proceedings before MSPB and EEOC Administrative Judges. He has represented clients on workplace safety matters in complaints with the Utah Occupation Safety and Health (IUOSH) at the Utah Labor Commission.
Mr. Tanner has previously served as a mediator on the Third District Court’s mediation panel. He has served as counsel in numerous employment mediation proceedings. He has taught employment law to undergraduate students and dispute resolution systems to MBA graduate students for the University of Phoenix. Mr. Tanner has twice served as President of the Utah Employment Lawyers Association (UELA), with membership of Utah employment lawyers. UELA is a state affiliate of the National Employment Lawyer’s Association (NELA).
Mr. Tanner currently serves as an Administrative Hearing Officer, conducting hearings for Tooele City and, separately, for Tooele County
James Tanner is licensed to practiced law and appear in Utah state courts. In addition, he is licensed to appear and represent in the U.S. District Court for Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals.
Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
Education