James R. Tanner

James R. Tanner is a Tooele, Utah, employment lawyer at Tanner Law Office PLLC who represents clients in workplace-related legal matters. Tanner has practiced law since 1974 and focuses primarily on federal and Utah employment law. His work includes discharges, suspensions, disciplinary proceedings, performance-based actions, adverse security clearance determinations, discrimination claims, safety matters, and replies to employer Pre-Determination notices.

Tanner earned a J.D. from Washburn University School of Law in 1974, where he participated on the Moot Court Team and Moot Court Council. He also earned a B.S. in Psychology from Kansas State University in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Family and Human Development from Utah State University in 1984. His education supports his work in advocacy, employment disputes, counseling, and practical problem solving.

Tanner served in the US Army Judge Advocate Corps as criminal defense counsel and as Chief of the Legal Assistance Office at Fort Riley, Kansas. He later served as civilian counsel at Tooele Army Depot from 1983 to 1998, including work as a Labor Counselor. His experience includes representing federal employers before EEOC and MSPB administrative judges and arbitrators in personnel, discipline, performance, and security clearance matters.

James R. Tanner established a private practice in 1998 after retiring from federal government service. He has served as a certified mediator, taught employment law and dispute resolution courses, and twice served as president of the Utah Employment Lawyers Association. He is licensed in Utah and admitted before the US District Court for Utah, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the US Court of Military Appeals.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Tanner Law Office PLLC
• Member, Utah State Bar Association
• President, Utah Employment Lawyers Association (UELA)
• Member, National Employment Lawyer’s Association (NELA)

Licensed State

• Utah

Education

• Washburn University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Utah State University
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Kansas State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges