Littler Welcomes Former EEOC Senior Trial Attorney Richard Mrizek in Chicago

CHICAGO (July 20, 2026) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has added Richard Mrizek as a shareholder in its Chicago office, continuing the firm’s strategic growth following the addition of several lateral hires in recent months. He joins from Jackson Lewis P.C. and brings a distinctive combination of government and private practice experience, including serving as a senior trial attorney at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for two decades.

“Rich’s extensive tenure at the EEOC, combined with his private practice experience, will make him an invaluable resource for our clients navigating agency investigations and litigation,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “As employers continue to face an increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding workplace discrimination issues, they need practical, strategic guidance and counsel from seasoned practitioners like Rich to ensure they are remaining compliant, mitigating risk and effectively responding to claims when they arise.” 

Mrizek has substantial experience representing employers in EEOC litigation and investigations. During his 20-year tenure at the EEOC, he litigated matters involving Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and participated in several jury trials, including serving as first chair. Since entering private practice, Mrizek has defended employers in EEOC litigation cases across the country, including serving as lead counsel on national and systemic cases. 

“Rich’s perspective shaped by decades of unique experience on both sides of the courtroom, in addition to his trial experience, will be a tremendous asset to our clients throughout the firm,” said Kwabena Appenteng, Littler’s Chicago office managing shareholder. “His deep understanding of EEOC enforcement priorities, systemic investigations and complex discrimination litigation positions him to provide critical counsel to employers as they navigate evolving workplace requirements. With Illinois continuing to implement significant employment law changes, Rich’s skillset will be especially valuable to clients in the region.” 

Mrizek also represents employers in all aspects of EEOC systemic investigations, from overseeing data productions to responding to requests for information and managing subpoenas. In addition to the EEOC, he has practiced before federal and state courts and state agencies including the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Mrizek regularly handles major class action litigation on behalf of his clients, including Rule 23 discrimination cases.

"Littler’s reputation as the premier management side labor and employment firm, coupled with its collaborative culture and unparalleled depth of experience, made this an exciting opportunity,” said Mrizek. “I’m thrilled to join a team that is deeply committed to helping employers address their most significant workplace challenges, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success.”

Mrizek received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and his B.A. from Northwestern University. 

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.