James P. McGraw

Jim is a partner in the Vorys Pittsburgh office.  He has nearly two decades of experience representing clients from a variety of industries including construction, real estate, retail, transportation and government.  His practice focuses on commercial litigation and labor and employment.

Jim represents business clients in a broad range of commercial litigation matters in federal and state courts and before the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania and Superior Court of Pennsylvania.  He frequently represents clients in construction, land use and zoning, and real estate litigation.  Jim also has significant appellate experience.  

In his national labor and employment practice, Jim focuses on all aspects of labor and employment law, including wage and hour class and collective actions.  He also has significant experience representing businesses and governments in collective bargaining and grievance arbitration matters involving unionized workforces, as well as representing clients in employment-related litigation.  Jim advises clients regarding restrictive employment covenant, non-compete, and compliance issues. 

Career highlights:

• Successfully defending an Allegheny County elected official in employment discrimination actions in U.S. District Court
• Defeating objections of the Pennsylvania Attorney General to the tax sale of real estate held by a large public trust, allowing the sale to proceed
• Serving as first chair in trial before the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County resulting in a defense verdict in favor of a contractor in a breach of contract action
• Obtaining a defense verdict in favor of a home renovation contractor in a breach of contract action in a trial before the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County

Jim is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association.

Jim received his J.D. from the Duquesne University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Kentucky.

Honors & Recognitions

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, 2025

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Business Litigation, 2019

Professional & Community Activities

Allegheny County Bar Association, Member

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member

Kentucky Bar Association, Member

Borough of Franklin Park Zoning Hearing Board, 2015-Present; currently the Vice Chairman