Labor Management Relations

We take pride in being the largest management-side labor law group in the world, and we take even more pride in being trusted partners to companies that range from top global brands to those newer to complex labor relations issues.

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Our depth of experience and ability to relate to leaders at every level of a company – from the factory or retail floor to the C-suite – is what distinguishes our offering.

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Your Strategic Partner

Navigating today's evolving labor laws can feel like being on a seesaw for employers, as increasingly fragmented and frequently changing legal precedent and administrative rules create significant uncertainty. Our team of over 250 labor attorneys understands current (and impending) legal, political and industry trends - and is dedicated to helping employers achieve their business goals while mitigating legal and operational risks.

What's more, our team - co-chaired by two leading women in labor law - reflects the diversity of today's multicultural, multigenerational workforce. Our lawyers span all generations and comprise a variety of races, ethnicities and genders, giving us a unique ability to serve our clients and their workforces.

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What We Do

Today's society is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation amid a resurgent interest in social activism, new technologies that connect employees around the globe, and evolving employee expectations and behaviors. These shifts, alongside changes in how the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is being interpreted and enforced, have prompted many companies to take a fresh look at labor readiness plans, employee engagement and workplace policies.

That's where we come in. Whether a workforce is unionized, non-union or somewhere in between, Littler provides employers with forward-thinking, holistic labor relations counsel to effectively engage employees, achieve business goals and manage risk.

Aligning company leaders – including boards and C-suite executives – on their labor relations strategy.
Responding to unconventional corporate campaigns and seeing remedies for illegal strike activities.
Understanding trends within their specific industries and geographic areas.
Developing change management and contingency plans, including how to keep operations running amid strikes or other labor actions.
Assisting with legally compliant communications and strategies.
Navigating all aspects of labor contract administration and collective bargaining negotiations, including modernizing legacy contracts.
Training leaders, including election campaign simulations and how to manage lawfully and effectively in a union-represented workplace.
Updating employee engagement strategies and fostering positive employee relations.

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We also provide legal counsel on rights under the NLRA.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and federal courts (including the U.S. Supreme Court) have long held that the right of employees to make an informed choice is best served when employers can share information. To that end, we counsel clients on how to share relevant information with employees. Similarly, we routinely advise clients on how to lawfully communicate and educate employees during negotiations and work stoppages.

A deep understanding of the NLRB

Our team—which includes a number of former NLRB attorneys—has vast knowledge of how the Board operates and strong relationships with regional NLRB offices throughout the country.
Wide-ranging subject matter knowledge

Our attorneys practice in nearly 60 areas of employment and labor law, allowing us to manage nuanced labor issues and emerging issues, like managing multigenerational workforces and the labor relations implications of the rise of AI.
Industry-specific capabilities

Labor management relations often requires a tailored approach for each industry. We bring experience in sectors spanning nearly every sector and on every part of the supply chain — enabling us to be true strategic partners.
A vast international footprint

With offices around the world, we are well-positioned to help multinational organizations navigate the various labor laws across their operations and uncover how international labor relations may fit into a company’s broader strategy.
The backing of Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute®

Through our government relations and public policy arm, we advocate for the interests of our clients to help shape the future of workplace policy — engaging with policymakers, testifying before Congress and collaborating with companies.

Unions

Bargained with every major union in the United States.
50%

Advised thousands of clients on labor issues, including almost 50% of the Fortune 100
~700

NLRB election petitions handled
2000+

Unfair labor practice charges handled for employers

Corporate Campaign Response

We can quickly mobilize a cross-country team to respond to multilayered campaigns directed at your business.
Representation Before the NLRB

We have defended thousands of matters before the Board and have handled more unfair labor practice charges and representation petitions than any other law firm, according to NLRB data from 2020-2022.
NLRB-related Litigation

Our leading team has been involved in numerous 10(j) and 10(l) labor injunction proceedings in U.S. federal courts across the country.
Appellate Practice

We represent employers in appeals of some of the most influential labor and employment law cases, helping shape the law favorably for employers. In just the last five years, Littler has prevailed in over 100 federal and state appeals.
Amicus Practice

We are regularly called upon by employer associations to challenge laws/changes in laws via amicus briefs filed in appellate courts.
Global Labor Relations

We advise multinational corporations on issues involving international labor standards and develop strategies to respond to these campaigns.
Legal Representation Worldwide

We provide legal representation in proceedings before the International Labor Organization and National Contact Points for the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Business Restructuring and M&A

Labor issues can disrupt structural changes at a company. We conduct due diligence investigations to review all union contracts, assist in structuring buy-sell agreements and help preserve beneficial existing contracts for business success.
Pension Withdrawal Liabilities

We regularly counsel clients on the interplay between collective bargaining, multiemployer pension plan obligations and withdrawal liability involving such laws as ERISA, Taft-Hartley Act, and the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act.