J. Bennett B.

Experience

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  US Navy

  Oct 1986 - Jan 1990

  Judge Advocate General

  Lieutenant (Active Duty)/Lieutenant Commander (Reserves) Litigated 60+ criminal cases, including general courts martial and 50+ administrative discharge hearings. Prosecuted cases as SA U.S. Attny before U. S. Magistrate. Awarded Navy Achievement Medal, 2 Navy Commendation Medals and ranked #1 lieutenant in peer group ranking. Promoted to lieutenant commander and served as executive officer while in reserves from 1990– 2003.

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  Allied Pilots Association

  Mar 1990 - Dec 2004

  Director of Legal Services

  Led legal department in representational matters, managed outside counsel and selected arbitration panels. Advised national officers, board of directors, committees, and staff directors on matters affecting APA policy. Chaired negotiations for sections in collective bargaining agreement protecting pilots’ “Rights of Representation” during investigations and in grievance hearings & arbitrations.

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  Cocanougher Asset Management

  Jun 2005 - May 2006

  In-House Counsel

  Served as legal counsel for entrepreneurial management company with multiple LLC investments including real estate, oil/gas exploration, and charitable foundations.

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  Walton Lantaff Schroeder & Carson LLP

  Jun 2006 - Jan 2008

  In-House Counsel

  Served as in-house counsel with management/employer defense law firm specializing in civil litigation, workers’ compensation and insurance defense. Provided labor & employment legal advice from W. Palm Beach and assisted with expansion of new office in Jacksonville, FL area for state-wide 6 office law firm.

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  Allied Pilots Association

  Feb 2008 - Jan 2018

  Following retirement from APA, served as contract consultant available to provide labor & employment advice tempered with HR experience to accomplish strategic business goals and objectives. Director of Legal Department at APA (certified collective bargaining agent for pilots of American Airlines). Promoted to additional role of Executive Director managing 7 department directors and supervising over 50 full time staff employees. Directed all human resource activities including implementation of HR policies, hiring, firing, coaching and counselling.

  • HR Consultant and Labor & Employment Counsel

    Feb 2017 - Jan 2018

  • Director of Legal Services & Executive Director

    Feb 2008 - Jan 2017
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  Special Counsel

  Sept 2017 - Feb 2018

  Discovery and Document Review Counsel

  Conducted document review for a major airline in response to plaintiff discovery demand for production.

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  Gone Fishing

  Mar 2018 - now

  Retired