COLUMBUS, Ohio/LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 3, 2023) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing employers, has appointed Lisa Kathumbi as office managing shareholder (OMS) of the firm’s Columbus, Ohio and Lexington, Kentucky offices. Effective April 1, Kathumbi succeeds Kevin Griffith who will continue to focus on his practice and responsibilities as co-chair of the firm’s Whistleblowing, Compliance and Investigations Practice Group. With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys globally, Littler provides counseling and representation to companies in all aspects of labor and employment law.
“Given Lisa’s demonstrated leadership, reputation as a skilled lawyer, and dedication to exceptional client service, she is the ideal candidate to lead the Columbus and Lexington offices,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “As OMS, Lisa will build upon the strong foundation that Littler attorneys have established in these markets, while maintaining her active practice and deep client relationships. On behalf of the firm, I want to thank Kevin for his many contributions to the Columbus and Lexington offices during his tenure.”
In addition to leading business strategy, recruitment efforts and community partnerships for the offices, Kathumbi will continue to represent employers – ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies – in employment and benefits litigation. A trusted business advisor, Kathumbi will also continue to conduct high-stakes workplace investigations and provide training and advice to clients on ever-evolving labor and employment law issues.
“I am honored to lead the efforts of the Columbus and Lexington offices as we remain focused on providing first-rate client service to our business partners, while engaging and serving our local communities” Kathumbi added. “We have amazing talent in both offices, and I look forward to collaborating with both teams as we continue to showcase what makes Littler special – including our geographic footprint, diverse workforce, subject matter expertise, experience with complex litigation, expansive resources and innovative legal solutions.”
Active in her legal and business communities, Kathumbi is an alumna of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s fellowship program, has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, and was elected the first Black president of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association (OWBA) in 2016. At the firm, Kathumbi led the Columbus office’s participation in the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL) program, where she herself was a former scholar.
A top-notch employment attorney, Kathumbi has earned a number of accolades, including Columbus Lawyer of the Year for employment law management from Best Lawyers of America® in 2021, and Client Service All-Star from BTI Consulting Group in 2020. For her leadership and service to the legal profession and her local community, Kathumbi was awarded the OWBA’s President’s Choice Award in 2015, received the Barrister’s Salute Award from the John Mercer Langston Bar Association in 2017, and was recognized in 2018 by Women for Economic and Leadership Development's (WELD) Ohio chapter as a woman leader “WELDing the Way.”
Kathumbi earned her J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, her M.A. from the University of Chicago and her B.A. from the University of Cincinnati. She resides in Columbus, Ohio with her husband and two sons.
About Littler
With more than 1,700 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.
