PHILADELPHIA, PA and SAN DIEGO, CA (August 20, 2012) – Littler Mendelson, P.C. (Littler), the world’s largest employment and labor law firm representing management, today announced that shareholders Thomas Bender (Philadelphia) and Jeremy Roth (San Diego) will become co-presidents and co-managing directors of the firm, effective January 20, 2013 for an eight-year term. Bender and Roth succeed Marko Mrkonich, who has served as president and managing director since 2005 and will continue in the role until the end of 2012 when he will return full time to the practice of law at the firm.

“It has been a tremendous eight years and I look forward to handing the reins to Tom and Jeremy under our new dual leadership platform,” said Mrkonich. “The firm is well positioned in the global legal marketplace and together Tom and Jeremy are poised to advance the firm’s strategic initiatives over the next eight years – both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, their combined skill sets and history with Littler will enhance the firm’s commitment to quality and client service – which means handling sophisticated and complex labor and employment matters efficiently and effectively.” 

The firm’s board of directors unanimously selected Bender and Roth on August 15 to serve in the new roles where they will collaborate on managing the firm’s rapid growth and increasing service capabilities for multinational clients. They will work closely with Mrkonich and other members of the management team to ensure the efficient transition of responsibilities and continuity in the firm’s operations.

“During the next eight years, Littler will look to significantly expand its global presence, further strengthen its footing in the domestic market, and continue to lead the charge in innovating new technology-based approaches to client service and case management,” said Garry Mathiason, chairman of the board at Littler. “To take advantage of the opportunities faced by firm leadership, Tom and Jeremy together possess the tremendous and unique complementary skills to move us forward. We look forward to a bright future with an expanded capacity to develop new strategies and adapt to changing market conditions.”

Bender and Roth will leverage their combined experience gained through their service as office managing shareholders, members of Littler’s board of directors, and as labor and employment attorneys in their new roles.

“Under Marko’s leadership, the firm has achieved substantial growth and success, including the expansion of its geographic footprint nationally and globally, a strong and steady financial performance, the deepening of its core practices and knowledge management capabilities, and the strategic investment in attracting and developing high-level legal talent,” said Bender. “We plan to build on the firm’s accomplishments over the past eight years and continue Littler’s commitment to creating a truly global platform that provides specialized labor and employment services to the rapidly evolving needs of our clients.”

“It has been exciting to see the firm’s transformation over the last 23 years, particularly the successes achieved under Marko’s leadership,” added Roth. “His vision and guidance has catapulted Littler’s growth with domestic and international expansion spanning five time zones, enabling the firm to meet the needs of its clients in strategic geographic markets. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the firm’s financial success, which is truly a remarkable feat during what has been a period of significant change for the legal industry and overall business environment. I am honored to be following in his footsteps and look forward to working with Tom on this collaborative effort.”

About Thomas Bender

Bender, founding member and former office managing shareholder of Littler’s Philadelphia office, focuses his practice on representing clients in labor relations matters, including collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, organizing drives and unfair labor practice proceedings. He also represents clients in ERISA and other benefit plan litigation arising from collectively bargained pension and health and welfare plans. Bender has handled a wide variety of claims before the National Labor Relations Board, and state and federal courts, with particular expertise in the National Labor Relations Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and the Labor Management Relations Act.

Currently a member of Littler’s board of directors, Bender also sits on the board of the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity, where he served as the past chairman, and is a member of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association and Philadelphia Bar Association. He is also routinely recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

Bender earned his J.D. from Catholic University of America and his B.S. from the United States Naval Academy.

About Jeremy Roth

Roth, office managing shareholder of Littler’s San Diego office, practices exclusively in the area of labor and employment law, representing retailers, hotels, and other management clients in state and federal courts and before various governmental agencies. He defends employers in all phases of litigation, up through and including trial by jury or bench, and has handled countless mediations and arbitrations. His experience includes alleged discrimination, wrongful termination, employment-related torts, wage and hour claims, and class and collective action claims. Roth has been active in Littler’s global expansion especially in Latin America. 

Previously a member of Littler's board of directors and board nominating committee, Roth is the former chairman of the San Diego County Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section. He is regularly cited as a leader in his field, including recognition in the International Who’s Who of Management Labour & Employment Lawyers, The Best Lawyers in America, San Diego Daily Transcript, Martindale-Hubbell AV Peer Review Rating and BTI Client Service All-Star Team for Law Firms.

Roth earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, his M.L.I.R. from Michigan State University and his B.S. from Iowa State University.

About Littler Mendelson

With over 900 attorneys and 56 offices throughout the U.S. and globally, Littler Mendelson is the world’s largest labor and employment firm exclusively devoted to representing management. As the only U.S. member of the Ius Laboris global alliance, Littler has extensive resources to address the needs of multinational 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.