Brian Jackson serves as Chair of McNees Wallace & Nurick, leading the firm’s strategic direction. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he continues to represent employers as lead negotiator in collective bargaining and as counsel in labor arbitration matters.
Brian joined the firm in 1994 as an associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles, including Leader of the Labor and Employment Practice Group from 2002 to 2017 and Vice Chair of the Management Committee from 2005 to 2018. On November 1, 2018, he was elected Chair of the firm. He is the ninth person to hold this position since the firm’s founding in 1935, following leaders such as Sterling McNees, Gilbert Nurick, John Oyler, and David Kleppinger.
Under Brian’s leadership, McNees has pursued a strategy of geographic and service expansion. The firm has opened offices in York, suburban Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Frederick, and suburban Baltimore, and has launched several complementary professional businesses. These initiatives have strengthened the firm’s ability to serve clients across industries and regions.
Brian is also active in the community. He currently co-chairs Team Pennsylvania with Governor Josh Shapiro, helping to drive programs that promote the state’s economic competitiveness. He has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Capital Region, chaired the organization’s 2023 campaign, and will serve as Board Chair beginning July 1, 2025. He is also a Past Chair and current board member of Trinity High School.
Outside the office, Brian has a passion for coaching youth basketball. He has worked with the St. Joseph Chargers in Mechanicsburg and Mid Penn Motion (AAU). He lives in Mechanicsburg with his wife, Amy, their youngest daughter, and two energetic dogs.
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 1989, cum laude
Dickinson School of Law, J.D., 1992, cum laude; Woolsack Honor Society, John Marshall Moot Court Competition; Appellate Moot Court Board
Central Penn Business Journal, “Forty Under 40”
The Best Lawyers in America®, Labor and Employment Law Management, 2006-present
Pennsylvania Super Lawyers®, 2008-present
Central Penn Business Journal‘s 2022 Power 100 List
PA Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2020
Dauphin County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Team Pennsylvania, Co-Chair, Board of Directors
United Way of the Capital Region, Board of Directors
Trinity High School, Chair of Board of Directors
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Central Pennsylvania, Past President
Notre Dame Alumni Club of Harrisburg, Past President
St. Joseph Church Pastoral Council, Past President
United Way of Central Pennsylvania, past member Board of Directors and Nominations Committee Chair
December 1, 2018 - Leading from a Foundation of Core Values
Corporate Counsel Business Journal
May 9, 2025 - 34th Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
May 16, 2023 - 33rd Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar - 2 Days to Choose (Virtual or In-Person)
May 5, 2023 - 32nd Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
March 23, 2023 - Labor & Employment Law for the Construction Industry
May 13, 2022 - 31st Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
June 10, 2021 - 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
June 4, 2020 - POSTPONED until 2021 - 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
October 20, 2017 - 2017 Labor & Employment Law Seminar - ICASHRM
June 9, 2017 - 27th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
May 4, 2017 - The Interrelationship Between Data Security and HR Policies
May 9, 2025 - 34th Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
May 16, 2023 - 33rd Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar - 2 Days to Choose (Virtual or In-Person)
May 5, 2023 - 32nd Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
March 23, 2023 - Labor & Employment Law for the Construction Industry
May 13, 2022 - 31st Annual Labor & Employment Law Seminar
June 10, 2021 - 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
June 4, 2020 - POSTPONED until 2021 - 30th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
October 10, 2019 - 2019 Legal Update - NEPA SHRM
September 13, 2018 - McNees Food & Beverage Seminar
September 7, 2018 - Esports Seminar
October 20, 2017 - 2017 Labor & Employment Law Seminar - ICASHRM
June 9, 2017 - 27th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
October 20, 2016 - 2016 HRACC Labor & Employment Law Seminar
October 13, 2016 - 2016 Legal Update
June 3, 2016 - 26th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar
May 11, 2016 - 2016 Labor & Employment Law Seminar - Williamsport