SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 14, 2012) – Michael J. Lotito, a nationally-recognized labor and employment attorney and former Jackson Lewis partner, has joined Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management, as a shareholder in its San Francisco office.
As one of the foremost authorities on traditional labor relations and employment law nationally and globally, Lotito brings more than 35 years of experience to the firm with a deep understanding of the ever-changing legislative and regulatory environment and will play an integral role in Littler’s Legislative and Regulatory Practice headquartered in the Washington, D.C. office. He has testified before the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Last year, he testified before the U.S. House Education and the Workforce Committee on the need to shorten the National Labor Relations Board election period.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome someone of Michael’s stature to the firm,” said Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director of Littler. “He serves as lead counsel for some of the nation’s largest corporations and is a key player in the legislative and regulatory arena. His unparalleled legal skill and leadership, combined with his experience in the policy area, will be an invaluable asset to our firm as we expand our presence nationally and internationally.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity and I am eager to begin this next step in my career,” added Lotito. “As the largest labor and employment specialty firm, the strength of Littler’s Legislative and Regulatory Practice, commitment to global management relations, and innovative approaches to advancing legal technology solutions are just some of the many factors that attracted me to the firm. I look forward to advocating for legislation that is in the interest of Littler’s sophisticated client base while helping to further develop the firm’s global presence. In addition, I am eager to tap into Littler’s vast resources, including its outstanding Knowledge Management department, to further serve our clients effectively.”
Practicing all aspects of traditional labor relations, including matters under the National Labor Relations Act, Lotito advises clients on how to practically and legally confront labor unions as they have increasingly turned to corporate campaigns to increase their membership. His experience in this area is extensive and he regularly assists in conducting internal and external vulnerability assessments to create stronger organizations to pre-empt union organizing.
Additionally, as lead counsel for many marquee clients, Lotito has developed preventative strategic solutions to labor and employment issues and has helped implement these strategies effectively. He also advises organizations on all matters affecting the employer-employee relationship, such as conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolutions and equal employment opportunity concerns.
According to Ilyse Schuman, a shareholder and member of the Legislative and Regulatory Practice in the Washington, D.C. office, “We are delighted about Michael’s arrival to the firm. He is one of the top attorneys in his field and brings tremendous knowledge and insight on labor and employment policy. His deep understanding of the regulatory environment and how it impacts employers from Washington to the workplace is truly impressive.”
A sought-after speaker and presenter, Lotito has addressed an extensive variety of management groups including Boards of Directors, company executives, managers and supervisors and trade association representatives. He has trained thousands of managers and supervisors over the course of his career and has appeared before audiences throughout the world. He is frequently quoted in the media and has been featured in various high-profile national media outlets and major television and cable news programs.
Active in the profession, Lotito has been recognized with a lifetime Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. He has served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), served as chairman of its National Legislative Affairs Committee, and was a member of its Employee and Labor Relations Committee. He is a member of Vistage 200, the world’s largest CEO member organization; the Labor and Employment Case Selection Committee of the National Chamber Litigation Center and the International Bar Association.
Lotito has published extensively in numerous legal, human resources and business trade journals and is also the co-author of four books about the Americans with Disabilities Act. His most recent article on the globalization of labor relations published in the April 2012 issue of the Association of Corporate Counsel’s ACC Docket. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a fellow of the American Bar Foundation and has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer.
Lotito received both his B.S. in political science (1970) and his J.D. (1974) from Villanova University. Villanova University’s Graduate Program in Human Resources named him the Top Human Resources Alumnus of the 20th Century.
About Littler Mendelson
With over 900 attorneys and 56 offices, Littler Mendelson is the largest U.S.-based law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in employment and labor law matters. As the only U.S. member of the Ius Laboris global alliance, Littler has extensive resources to address the needs of multi-national clients, from navigating international employment laws and labor relations issues to applying corporate policies worldwide. Established in 1942, the firm has litigated, mediated and negotiated some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record.
