James Eisenmann - Alden Law Group, PLLC

James Eisenmann

Partner, Alden Law Group, PLLC

Jim Eisenmann is an experienced advocate, leader and educator specializing in advising federal and private sector employees and employers on a variety of complex employment issues including investigations, discrimination and retaliation, and whistleblower retaliation claims. He represents private sector employees, senior executives, and small employers with respect to all manner of employment-related issues including employment contracts, non-compete agreements, and discrimination cases.

Jim joined Alden Law Group as a partner in April 2020, bringing with him extensive experience in the private and federal sectors. In private practice, Jim has represented employees and employers in the federal and private sectors in all manner of employment-related issues. From 1991 to 2005, Jim served as an associate, senior associate and principal in the firm Passman & Kaplan, P.C. Between 2005 and 2010, Jim was a founding member of Kraft Eisenmann Alden, PLLC, a labor, employment, labor and employee benefits law firm established in Washington, DC.

In 2010, Jim entered public service when he was appointed General Counsel of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). He served in that position until January 2013, when he was appointed MSPB’s Executive Director. He served as Executive Director of the MSPB through September 2018. After leaving the MSPB, Jim was Of Counsel with Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch.

Jim is an Adjunct Professor at the American University Washington College of Law where he teaches Legal Ethics. Jim is also an Adjunct Professor with the American University’s Key Executive Leadership Program, where he teaches senior federal leaders in classes entitled “Leading in the Context of a Constitutional Government,” “Leading with Integrity,” and “Political Savvy: Employing Influence Tactics with Integrity.” He is also an Adjunct Professor in the American University’s School of Public Affairs Master of Public Administration Program where he teaches “The Legal Basis for Public Administration.”

Jim has also appeared on 60 Minutes to discuss the then member-less MSPB in “Three Empty Chairs,” air date June 14, 2020. He also has been a guest on Government Matters News, “Merit Systems Protection Board up against leadership vacancies” and “New Covid-19 testing requirements present logistical challenge for federal agencies”.

Jim received his law degree from the Catholic University of America School of Law. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University. In July 2011, Jim completed the rigorous Leadership for a Democratic Society program at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Adjunct Professorships

American University, School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Administration Program, “Legal Basis for Public Administration.” (2017-present)
American University, School of Public Affairs, Key Executive Leadership Programs, “Leading with Integrity” and “Leading in the Context of a Constitutional Government.” (2015-present)
American University, School of Public Affairs, Key Executive Leadership Programs, TSA Leadership Institute, “Political Savvy” (2018-present)
West Virginia University, Guest Lecturer, Master of Public Administration (2015-present)