NEW YORK (May 28, 2024) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Kelly M. Cardin as a shareholder in its New York City office. Cardin – who joins the firm from Ogletree Deakins, where she was co-chair of the Pay Equity practice group – marks Littler’s fifth shareholder level addition since the beginning of April.
Cardin has dedicated her career to representing employers in a broad range of employment-related disputes. She is a sought-after litigator who handles cases involving complex and cutting-edge employment law issues, while also frequently litigating against claims of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Cardin defends employers in class and collective actions involving wage and hour issues, including those related to pay frequency claims under New York state labor law.
Cardin is also a trusted advisor to clients on novel employment law issues, including pay transparency laws – an area in which she has developed a practice in cross-jurisdictional compliance and is a frequent writer and speaker. In addition, she conducts pay equity analyses and workplace investigations.
“Our 2024 Employer Survey of executives found growing concern around litigation involving discrimination and harassment, wage and hour compliance, and workplace accommodations as a range of new regulations come into force at the federal, state and local levels,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Kelly’s proven track record representing employers in these areas will be an asset for our clients facing such high-stakes challenges.”
Cardin defends employers in matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, as well as the Department of Labor at both the state and federal levels. She has also represented clients before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in state and federal court, and in arbitration. Cardin also has experience representing companies in disputes involving restrictive covenant, trade secret misappropriation, and breach of contract claims.
“With the proliferation of labor and employment laws in New York State and New York City as of late, employers need counselors like Kelly who offer astute insights and guidance on the many regulatory changes impacting their workplaces,” said Jeanine Conley Daves, Littler’s New York City office managing shareholder. “With her versatile skill set, Kelly is well-positioned to help employers adopt best practices around pay equity and transparency, leaves of absence and accommodations requests, wage and hour compliance, and more.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Littler and look forward to working with such a talented team of colleagues in New York and beyond,” said Cardin. “Littler is at the forefront of providing analysis and guidance around evolving labor and employment laws and, at the same time, has a well-earned reputation for helping employers adapt to change and minimize risks before litigation can arise.”
Cardin received her J.D. from Cornell Law School, her M.A. from the University of Chicago and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Rhode Island. She is admitted to practice in New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
About Littler
With more than 1,800 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.
