SAN FRANCISCO, CA (March 28, 2010) – Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management, is proud to announce that it is the 2011 recipient of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's (MCCA) Thomas L. Sager Award for the Midwest Region.

Named after diversity leader and DuPont Senior Vice President and General Counsel Thomas L. Sager, the award is given annually to law firms that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity in their organizations. Winners are selected based on statistical data, recruitment, retention, mentoring and promotion methods, collaborative efforts with community and bar associations and innovative practices that result in sustainable efforts to increase diversity.

"Diversity is one of the core values at Littler," said Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director of the firm. "We are proud of both our diverse workforce, and the inclusive, open, and respectful culture within the firm. We are thrilled that our commitment to diversity is being recognized, and we thank the MCCA for this tremendous honor."

Littler has made impressive strides in positioning itself as a leader in diversity initiatives. For example, the firm created a Diversity and Inclusion Council, which is responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of Littler's diversity initiatives. The Council communicates efforts and expectations to key personnel throughout the firm, and reviews Littler's diversity progress and results on a quarterly basis.

"We have put a great deal of effort into cultivating a work environment where ideas are freely exchanged and respected," said Natalie Pierce, co-chair of Littler's Diversity and Inclusion Council. "The programs that we have implemented are aimed at encouraging the success of all of our staff, regardless of background."

In addition to it's Diversity and Inclusion Council, Littler has a number of affinity groups that enable attorneys to network with peers and engage in open discussions, while its Women's Leadership Initiative assists its female workforce in meeting their career goals while balancing work and family life. The firm places strong emphasis on the retention of its attorneys through a mentorship program designed to promote associate development and inclusion. Littler also maintains relationships with a number of diversity-focused bar associations and business and civic organizations, and actively recruits a diverse workforce through targeted outreach programs and job fairs.

About MCCA

The Minority Corporate Counsel Association, Inc. (MCCA) was founded in 1997 to advance the hiring, retention, and promotion of diverse attorneys in legal departments and the law firms that serve them. MCCA accomplishes its mission through the collection and dissemination of information about diversity in the legal profession.

About Littler Mendelson

With over 800 attorneys and 50 offices, Littler Mendelson is the largest U.S.-based law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in employment and labor law matters. As the only U.S. member of the Ius Laboris global alliance, Littler has extensive resources to address the needs of multi-national clients, from navigating international employment laws and labor relations issues to applying corporate policies worldwide. Established in 1942, the firm has litigated, mediated and negotiated some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record.