Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Law Professor Becomes NHL Impartial Arbitrator

James Oldham, a Georgetown University law professor, has been selected to be an impartial arbitrator for the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League.

Oldham, who joined the Law Center faculty in 1970, will hear grievances filed under the collective bargaining contract between the NHL and the NHLPA, otherwise known as the players’ union.

“I expect the process of hearing and deciding pending grievances to be extremely interesting and challenging,” Oldham said, “and it will take a fair amount of time.”

Oldham, an arbitrator since 1972, says he will continue with this position for at least a year under the league’s current contract, or until either the NHL or NHLPA decides it is time for someone new.

Having no prior experience in NHL litigation, Oldham expects to learn a lot in his new position. “I came to the appointment by having been an arbitrator for a long time, not because of any hockey expertise, so I have a pretty sharp learning curve ahead,” he said.

A graduate of Stanford University Law School, Oldham is the St. Thomas More Professor of Law and Legal History. He teaches classes on Labor Law, Contract Law and Arbitration.

More to Discover