CHICAGO, IL (October 26, 2022) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Richard Kienzler and Marissa Ingley as shareholders in its Chicago office. Kienzler, who has extensive experience in noncompetition and trade secret disputes, joins from Freeborn & Peters LLP. Ingley, who was an attorney with Littler from 2002 to 2011, returns from Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, where she served as Chief Counsel for Employment and Labor Law. They are two of 14 attorneys to join Littler at the shareholder level thus far in the second half of the year.
“We are excited to welcome Rick and welcome back Marissa, both of whom will be terrific additions to our robust Chicago office,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “We are proud to be a firm that both attracts high caliber talent and maintains relationships with top lawyers who choose to return to the Littler family.”
About Richard Kienzler:
Kienzler, a well-known trade secrets litigator in Chicago and nationwide, joins Littler’s Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets practice. He has a successful track record of litigating and resolving disputes involving post-employment restrictions for departed employees, as well as disclosure of trade secrets and confidential information. Kienzler regularly handles cases involving emergency and injunctive relief; has represented companies throughout the country in trials, appeals, class actions and arbitrations; and conducts internal investigations. He has been recognized in the industry as a leading lawyer and is active in volunteer initiatives in his community. Kienzler earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his B.B.A. from the University of Iowa.
“Rick’s addition is a significant boost to our practice at a time when our work in the areas of noncompetition and trade secret protection is booming across the country,” said James Witz, co-chair of Littler’s Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Practice Group. “Having worked directly with Rick in the past and knowing how well his practice aligns with the work we do every day for clients, I am particularly excited to add his legal acumen and top-notch litigation skills to Littler’s industry leading roster of attorneys in this area.”
“Companies continue to face tough competition for talent and a critical need to protect trade secrets and proprietary information. I have long admired the work of Littler and am excited to join a team of preeminent practitioners in the space,” said Kienzler. “I am energized by the opportunity be a part of a firm that is uniquely positioned to provide clients the guidance required to maximize their competitive advantage and minimize legal risk.”
Littler’s leading Unfair Competition and Trade Secrets Group is consistently ranked in Lex Machina’s Trade Secret Litigation Report as among top firms most frequently representing clients in trade secret cases. The firm’s attorneys provide strategic advice to employers on all critical aspects of the employment relationship, from initial hiring and drafting effective restrictive covenants, to maintaining security of highly confidential information during employment and upon departure. When litigation does become necessary, Littler’s deep subject matter knowledge, courtroom experience and geographic footprint enable the firm to provide effective, efficient and comprehensive counsel to its clients.
About Marissa Ingley:
Ingley has two decades of experience counseling on a range of labor and employment law matters and guiding leadership teams on executing strategies and ensuring legal compliance. As a member of the leadership team at two large in-house legal departments, she has managed litigation strategies and counseled executives and HR teams on policies and processes, investigations, leave and disability accommodation, wage and hour compliance, and discipline and terminations, among other issues. Ingley is known for helping solve complex employment law issues with varied workforces, from executive leadership to hourly production workers, sales and trading teams, corporate offices, and everyone in between.
“As a leading employment attorney at large, publicly-traded companies, Marissa gained a reputation for being an in-house problem solver who truly understands the needs of executive leaders,” said Paul Bateman, Littler’s Chicago office managing shareholder. “Returning to Littler, she’ll bring that experience to bear helping clients find pragmatic solutions that move their businesses forward. We look forward to adding both Marissa and Rick’s skillsets to our talented bench in Chicago.”
During her time at Littler, Ingley represented clients in front of federal appellate and district courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other federal and state administrative agencies. Ingley earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law and her B.A. from St. Lawrence University in New York.
“I was fortunate enough to hone my litigation chops at Littler, which positioned me for success as I progressed in my career,” said Ingley. “I very much look forward to returning and applying my in-house and leadership experience at a firm I continue to hold in the highest regard – working to bridge the gap between busy executives and the sophisticated legal counsel they need to help achieve their business goals.”
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.
