San Francisco, CA/ May 29, 2009 -- Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the nation's largest employment and labor law firm representing management, is proud to announce it is the 2009 recipient of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association's (MCCA) Thomas L. Sager Award for the Western Region.
The award, named after diversity leader and DuPont Senior Vice President and General Counsel Thomas L. Sager, is given annually to law firms that demonstrate sustained commitment to diversity in their organizations. In addition to statistical data, law firms are evaluated on recruitment, retention, mentoring and promotion methods, collaborative efforts with community and bar associations and innovative practices that result in sustainable efforts to increase diversity.
“We place tremendous value on diversity at Littler and it has always been an integral part of our culture,” said Marko Mrkonich, president and managing director of the Firm. “Not only are we committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, but we have created an inclusive environment that values the unique attributes of each individual,” he added.
Littler’s commitment to diversity is exemplified by the efforts of its Diversity and Inclusion Council, which is responsible for both the strategic direction and the implementation of the Firm’s diversity initiatives. For example, the Firm’s Affinity Groups enable attorneys to connect with peers and engage in candid dialogue, while its Women’s Leadership Initiative helps women achieve their career objectives while balancing work and family life. Littler also focuses a great deal of effort on retention through a mentorship program designed to encourage associate development and inclusion.
Littler maintains extensive relationships with diversity-focused bar associations, business and civic organizations. The Firm actively recruits a diverse workforce through diversity-related outreach programs and job fairs. The result is steady growth of Littler’s diverse talent base for the past several years.
“We have put a great deal of effort into creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where ideas are freely exchanged and respected,” said Natalie Pierce, co-chair of Littler’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. ”Our programs are the result of very detailed research about employee needs and satisfaction, and are aimed at providing platforms for success for individuals of all backgrounds,” she added.
About the MCCA
The Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA) was founded in 1997 to advocate for the expanded hiring, retention, and promotion of minority attorneys in corporate law 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. For additional information on MCCA, please visit www.mcca.com.
About Littler Mendelson
With more than 750 attorneys and 47 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 global needs of clients, from navigating foreign employment laws and international labor relations issues to applying corporate policies on a global basis. Established in 1942, the Firm has litigated, mediated and negotiated some of the most influential employment law cases and labor contracts on record. For more information, visit www.littler.com.