MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 8, 2012) - Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the world’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management, expands it attorney ranks in Minneapolis with the addition of Karen M. Charlson. Previously a partner with Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon & Vogt, P.A. and head of its Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) practice area, Charlson joins Littler as a shareholder where she will continue to focus her practice on workers’ compensation and OSHA defense representation in addition to employment counseling and litigation. Charlson’s arrival marks Littler’s continued growth as the firm has added a number of high-profile laterals this year, including John Polley in Minneapolis, who is one of only a few recognized defense experts in OSHA litigation in the state of Minnesota.
“Karen brings with her both an impressive background and strong litigation and employment law experience,” said George Wood, Minneapolis office managing shareholder. “Her unique skill set, which combines workers’ compensation defense with OSHA litigation, will undoubtedly be instrumental in serving our clients’ needs while expanding our footprint across the Midwest.”
“I am very excited to join the Littler team and contribute to the firm’s practice of providing excellent employment advice and representation to clients,” said Charlson. “To be part of a dynamic group recognized not only for its legal excellence but also for its diversity and community service is incredibly rewarding.”
Charlson has experience in jury trials, bench trials and administrative hearings and has appeared before the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor & Industry OSHA Review Board. Her workers’ compensation defense work is primarily with self-insured and high-deductible employers, defending against claims in an administrative setting and retaliation claims in district court; however, she regularly consults with insured employers on non-litigated workers’ compensation issues including workplace safety, return-to-work programs and the interplay of workers’ compensation with ADA and FMLA. Charlson presents and trains employers, insurers/administrators and other lawyers on topics within her expertise.
Recognized as a leading attorney in the industry, Charlson was nominated by Minnesota Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009. She received her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School cum laude in 1997 and earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
About Littler Mendelson
With over 950 attorneys and 56 offices throughout the U.S. and globally, Littler Mendelson is the world’s largest labor and employment firm exclusively devoted to representing management. 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.
