Littler Welcomes Marti Downey as its First Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel

(October 13, 2025) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Maralee “Marti” Downey as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. In this new role, Downey will lead Littler’s legal strategy and provide counsel to firm leadership. Downey joins Littler from Brookdale Senior Living, where she held the positions of Vice President, Legal – Labor & Employment and Associate General Counsel, Labor & Employment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marti to the Littler family. She is a forward-thinking leader who will be instrumental in helping us navigate the rapidly shifting legal and regulatory landscapes, geopolitical volatility and the accelerating pace of technological change,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Marti for more than a decade and know first-hand that she brings the insight, agility and leadership needed to help Littler stay ahead of emerging challenges. In this role, she will embed legal and regulatory foresight and strengthen our ability to anticipate and adapt to an increasingly complex environment.” 

Based in Littler’s Nashville office, Downey will oversee a wide range of responsibilities, including guiding the firm’s legal strategy, managing risk, overseeing compliance and litigation and leading crisis response efforts across practice areas and geographies. She will also develop flexible compliance frameworks, and ensure the firm is prepared for evolving regulations. In addition, Downey will advise senior management on the legal implications of all major decisions, strategies, policies and transactions of the firm, while reinforcing Littler’s culture of ethics and accountability.

“I’m honored to join Littler at such a pivotal time for the legal industry,” said Downey. “Over the years, I have come to deeply respect the firm’s commitment to client service and strategic problem-solving. I look forward to partnering with Littler’s leadership team as the firm navigates today’s evolving challenges, and continues to set the standard for innovation and excellence in labor and employment law.” 

Downey brings two decades of legal and executive experience to Littler, with a strong background in labor and employment law, regulatory compliance and enterprise risk. She spent the past 11 years in high level leadership roles at Brookdale Senior Living. At Brookdale, Downey led a legal human resources department that advised senior leaders across 41 states on complex labor, employment and immigration matters affecting a workforce of 35,000. She also oversaw employment and ERISA litigation, administrative charge responses and legal counsel coordination to ensure compliance and mitigate risk. Prior to that, Downey practiced at leading law firms, advising clients on complex employment matters and litigation strategies.

Downey holds a J.D., summa cum laude, from Pepperdine University School of Law, and a B.S., summa cum laude, from Harding 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 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.