James R. Acho

James R. Acho

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Wrongful termination Lawyer at Livonia, MI
Practice Areas: Wrongful Termination

17436 College Parkway, Livonia, MI

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Wrongful Termination 100%

Did your employer discriminate against you? Were you fired based on medical history? Did your employer retaliate against you for reporting a safety/health violation? You may have a case. Aggressive, Experienced & Successful Trial Lawyer. Call today!

6 years

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 25 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2001

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Cummings, McClorey, Davis, Acho, P.L.C.

17436 College Parkway, Livonia, MI, 48152

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James R. Acho's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

5 star (14)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Janet | March 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

I thank God for Jim Acho!

I first met Jim when I was vindictively sued in a case that landed in Federal Court. It was so daunting to be served with such papers, but I don't think intimidation is in Jim's vocabulary. He fought for me every step of the way and we won! Jim has vast experience in his 25 years of practicing la...w and he patiently explained everything I needed to know at each juncture in my case. When I first hired him I was nervous that a lawyer with his record of substantial victories like his might be cold, aloof, or even condescending. Nothing could be further from the truth! While Jim was tough on our opponent, he was very gracious and compassionate with me. Jim went into law because he wanted to fight for what was right. Not all heroes wear capes, some carry briefcases into courthouses. While he took every reasonable action to avoid trial, we ended up there anyway. Jim showed good instincts and thorough preparation. I can't imagine anyone with the combination of skill and determination to win that Jim has and it showed! If you're reading this review and you're looking for an attorney, I couldn't recommend Jim high enough. If you're reading this review because Jim has been hired as your opposing counsel, I would highly recommend settling :)

Posted by Sam | July 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

So thankful to Jim

Jim Acho was my professor 15 years ago. Who knew that years later I would have to hire him as my attorney in a wrongful discharge case? All I can say is at both he was amazing. The best professor I ever had and the best lawyer I could have hired. He is so smart and aggressive and passionate. He (and ...his associate who was also great) got my life back on track. Cannot thank Jim enough!

Posted by Chris | June 3, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

One of the Best...

As a school superintendent victimized by a shady Board of Education, my entire career was in jeopardy. After tinkering with association attorneys, I knew I needed to get serious. After I researched Jim Acho's credentials, I was impressed. He took the time to answer my email personally within 24 ho...urs. He took the time to review my case and invited me down to his office, twice. I was floored and so grateful that he drove on snowy roads until 10 pm at night on the evening the Board and their attorney tried to end my career. They would have succeeded had Jim not been there that evening. A smooth and polished negotiator one moment, and when the situation calls for it, an ABSOLUTE CAGE FIGHTER of an attorney when needed. At the end of the day, my situation ended with being paid in full for a full year, which saves my newly purchased home. Also, Jim looked out for my future, as well, as he caught sneaky tricks their side buried in "legalese", which would have damnified me to future employers. Jim caught this nonsense and DEMANDED reference language for me that will help me land on my feet professionally. At the end of the day, when one is in a legal situation as scary as mine was, the question you need to ask yourself is: "In hindsight, is my life better or worse since my attorney represented me?" Friends, I am here to tell you my life is 100% better after having Jim Acho represent me. You will be making a mistake if you pass him by. One of the reviews written about Jim Acho that led me to reach out to him stated, "A GREAT attorney, and an even better man." I absolutely agree.

Posted by Isaac | January 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great lawyer and an even better guy

Jim has represented me twice. Once in an employment issue and once regarding my NFL pension legacy benefit. I second Mr. Skaldany's comment. Jim has proven himself to be intelligent, a strong work ethic and a man of sincere integrity. Could not recommend him more strongly as a lawyer. A great friend ...for life.

Posted by Tom Skladany, Columbus OH | July 7, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Acho is a BEAST on wheels!!!

I have hired Jim as an attorney on multiple matters over the past 10 years. He is probably the smartest, most aggressive sports attorney out there right now and trust me I've met many. It is why I was happy to be one of the retired NFL players who nominated him to run the NFL Players Association. He... is not just a sports attorney, he is great at employment cases too, not just for former players but any working stiff who gets a bad break. If you need a bulldog with brains Acho is your guy. He is the last lawyer I will ever use. --Tom

See All Client Reviews

James R. Acho's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Kyle J. Bristow headshot
Kyle Bristow

Constitutional lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I enthusiastically endorse Attorney James Acho for civil litigation-related cases. James represented the defendants in a civil action I filed on behalf of my client in federal court--which went to jury trial. James was professional at all times, and he aggressively and intelligently advocated for the interests of his clients. It seems like I was dealing with a motion every other week--for two years--that James filed to vigorously advocate for the interests of his clients. A lot of my practice is in the area of civil litigation, and James is easily in the top five percent of lawyers I've gone up against. If you need an intelligent and aggressive attorney to represent you in court, James is the one you want. Period."

Brandan Anthony Hallaq headshot
Brandan Hallaq

Employment and labor lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim Acho is one of the hardest working attorneys I have ever met. He truly cares about each client he represents no matter how small the case. If I needed legal representation, I would feel confident hiring Jim."

Matthew Kolodziejski headshot
Matthew Kolodziejski

Unknown lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Jim. I have handled multiple cases with Jim as opposing counsel. I can personally attest to the high caliber of his work and dedication to his clients' legal interests. He is an absolute professional and an extremely skilled litigator. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone seeking legal representation."

Joel B. Sklar headshot
Joel Sklar

Civil rights lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent skills and professional in every way"

Ray Edward Richards II headshot
Ray Richards

Employment and labor lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is the lawyer to hire for any and all employment matters. He is a pit bull who works tirelessly for his clients. Very accomplished and seasoned lawyer!"

Ryan Christopher Plecha headshot
Ryan Plecha

Employment and labor lawyer | Dec 23

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim Acho is an exceptional attorney, advocate, and ambassador of the legal profession. First and foremost, Jim acts in accordance with the contention that the practice of law is truly a service profession, which is evidenced by his commitment to secure the most favorable results for his clients. Jim's vigor and tenacious pursuit to preserve and/or vindicate his clients' legal rights, is only tempered by his compassion and empathy. Not only does Jim provide innovative and diligent legal services to his clients, but he also is committed to advancing the reputation and esteem of the legal profession. Through both pro bono pursuits and the mentoring of young attorneys, Jim continually strives to give back to his community. I am confident that Jim provides stellar legal representation. I have previously recommend and continue to recommend Jim Acho without reservation."

View All Endorsements
Kyle J. Bristow headshot
Kyle Bristow

Civil rights lawyer

Matthew Kolodziejski headshot
Matthew Kolodziejski

Civil rights lawyer

Joel B. Sklar headshot
Joel Sklar

Personal injury lawyer

John J. Egan Jr. headshot
John Egan

General practice lawyer

Ryan Christopher Plecha headshot
Ryan Plecha

General practice lawyer

Nameer N. Kajy headshot
Nameer Kajy

General practice lawyer

Ray Edward Richards II headshot
Ray Richards

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorney, Michigan Super Lawyers

2018

Top Rated Civil Litigation Attorney, Michigan Super Lawyers

2017

Top Rated Employmen Law Attorney, Michigan Super Lawyers

2016

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top Sports Lawyers In America, New York Times

2013

Best Sports Lawyer In Metro Detroit, DBusiness Magazine

2007

Federal Court Pro Bono Award Multi-Time Recipient, United States District Court, Detroit, MI

Work Experience

2000 - Present

Partner (2015); Associate (2000-2015), Cummings McClorey Davis & Acho

Associations

2002 - Present

NFL Alumni Association

General Counsel

2000 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

2000 - Present

American Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2000 - Present

MI Assoc Of Justice (formerly MTLA)

Member

2000 - Present

Chaldean American Bar Association

Member

2003 - 2007

Chaldean American Bar Association

Vice President

2003 - 2007

Chaldean American Bar Association

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Ernie Fazio & Al Moran, et al v Major League Baseball and Bug Selig, et al

After nearly a decade, MLB agreed to pay the class of retired MLB players represented by James Acho $10,000 per man for two years in recognition of their efforts in growing the national pastime. (See case details below)

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

St. Francis College, Ft. Wayne, IN

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

NFL Alumni Detroit Chapter Annual Meeting NFL Concussion Claims Update

2017

NFL Players Association NFLPA Winter Meetings in Detroit

2016

NFL Concussion Case Goes to US Supreme Court ESPN Radio interview and companion print interview on ESPN.com

2015

NFL Alumni Summer Annual/NFLPA Annual Winter Meetings NFL Concussion Claims Update

2015

NBC Sports/ Pro Football Talk; NFL Network/Sirius XM NFL Radio;

NFL Players Association Election and Retired Players Isues (Benefits, Concussions, etc)

2015

ESPN Radio (Interviewed on 20+ affiliates nationally)

NFL Players Association Election and Retired Players Isues (Benefits, Concussions, etc)

2015

CBS Sports Radio; Jim Rome Show

NFL Players Association Election and Retired Players Isues (Benefits, Concussions, etc)

2014

WJR (Frank Beckmann Show), WWJ, ESPN, CBS Sports Radio, Yahoo Sports Radio

NCAA College Athletes Unionizing

2002

CNN, NY Times, L.A. Times, Det. Free Press, Det. News, Chi. Sun Times, USA Today, The Sporting News

For 15 Years Have Disccused MLB Pension Lawsuit/NFL Benefits Issues In Print & Radio/TV

2000

Presentations To Multiple Police Departments In Metro Detroit On Updates In The Law/Litigation Avoidance Since 2000--Present Day

Police Litigation (Defense)

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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