Philadelphia, PA (February 1, 2010) – Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management, is pleased to announce that Kristine Grady Derewicz will succeed Thomas Bender as managing shareholder for the Philadelphia office.

During Mr. Bender's tenure, the Philadelphia office experienced significant growth, expanding Littler's subject matter experience by attracting and retaining well-qualified employment, labor law and benefits attorneys, while continuing to provide quality representation to existing and new clients. Bender opened the Philadelphia office in March 2001 with ten attorneys and six staff members. Nearly nine years later the Philadelphia office is twenty-nine attorneys and nineteen paralegals/staff members strong. Ms. Derewicz plans to continue that momentum as office managing shareholder, and to build on the foundation of growth and leadership established by Mr. Bender.

"It was Tom's vision, drive and guidance that established our presence in the local marketplace. We have him to thank for the practice's growth and success," said Derewicz. Tom is a valued member of the Firm's Board of Directors and will continue his practice in both traditional labor law and litigation.

"Kris was a clear choice to manage the Philadelphia office given the exceptional service she has demonstrated in other key leadership roles," said Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director of the Firm. "Equally important is the creative approach she takes when confronting employment and labor law matters, a quality that truly exemplifies Littler's commitment to providing exceptional client service."

"I am honored to be named to the managing shareholder position," said Derewicz. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on continuing to develop new ways to collaborate with clients and growing the firm's business in Philadelphia and the Mid-Atlantic region."

Derewicz's practice focuses on all aspects of labor and employment law, ranging from proactive counseling to litigation in both union and non-union settings. Her experience includes employment discrimination litigation and counseling, drafting employment and severance agreements, drafting and litigating covenants not to compete, and labor-management relations. She also has extensive experience in traditional union matters including arbitrations, collective bargaining negotiations, representation elections, and unfair labor practice proceedings. Her clients include academic institutions, technology companies, retailers, healthcare providers, and other business service providers.

Derewicz received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1990 and received her undergraduate degree from La Salle University, magna cum laude, in 1987. She is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

About Littler Mendelson

With more than 750 attorneys and 48 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. For more information, visit littler.com.