Littler Shareholder Bradford J. Kelley Nominated to Serve as Federal District Judge in Louisiana

(August 20, 2026) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, congratulates Bradford J. Kelley on his nomination by President Donald J. Trump to serve as a judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“Brad’s nomination is a testament to his impressive legal career and longstanding commitment to public service,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “Throughout his time at Littler, Brad has distinguished himself through his deep legal knowledge, thoughtful counsel and unwavering dedication to the profession. His extensive experience in both private practice and at government agencies will undoubtedly serve him well on the federal bench, and we congratulate him on this honor.” 

Kelley is a shareholder in Littler’s Washington, D.C., office and co-chair of the firm’s AI and Technology Practice Group. His practice spans a range of employment discrimination and wage and hour matters, with a particular focus on emerging technologies and AI in the workplace. Kelley also advises employers on matters involving the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. 

Before joining Littler in 2023, Kelley was chief counsel to then-U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner Keith Sonderling, who now serves as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor. In that role, Kelley provided legal and policy advice on federal employment anti-discrimination laws and worked on cases, policies and regulations involving statutes enforced by the EEOC. He also acted as a key advisor on the Commission’s Initiative on Artificial Intelligence and Algorithmic Fairness and received the EEOC Chair’s Circle of Excellence Award for his service. 

Prior to his time at the EEOC, Kelley served as a senior policy advisor in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, where he counseled agency leadership on the administration, interpretation and enforcement of the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and federal wage laws affecting government contractors.

Kelley began his legal career as a law clerk to a federal district judge. He is also a former U.S. Army infantry and intelligence officer and an Iraq War veteran.

Deeply rooted in the state of Louisiana, Kelley earned his J.D., Order of the Coif and magna cum laude, from Louisiana State University Law Center, and his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Louisiana State University. 

Kelley’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate. 

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 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.