Littler Voices

Pro bono can make a meaningful difference for individuals and communities, and dedicated leadership can help expand that impact. In her new role as Littler’s first Pro Bono Counsel, Jenny Schwendemann joins Steve Biddle, shareholder and member of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, to discuss what the role can make possible – from connecting attorneys with meaningful opportunities to building strong relationships with legal service organizations.

The conversation also looks beyond the walls of Littler to explore how corporate legal departments can partner with outside counsel on pro bono initiatives. Jenny discusses the value those collaborations can bring to communities, attorneys and clients, and why creating more ways for lawyers to participate is central to broadening the reach of pro bono service.

Each year, Littler joins the American Bar Association’s National Celebration of Pro Bono in recognizing the meaningful work of our attorneys and professional staff. Through their pro bono service, they help individuals and organizations in need and make a difference in communities near and far.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-conversation-littlers-first-pro-bono-counsel-expanding-reach-and

When individuals were detained without a legal basis amid increased immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis area, Littler attorneys mobilized to help. In this episode, Michael Congiu (shareholder and Pro Bono Committee member) is joined by Michelle Christy (associate), Dinora Orozco (associate), Pam Reynolds (shareholder and Pro Bono Committee member) and Holly Robbins (shareholder) to discuss the firm’s habeas initiative and the collaboration that enabled lawyers and professional staff across the country to provide urgent legal representation.

They share the stories behind the work, the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar area of law and the importance of community partnerships, mentorship and a willingness to raise your hand. Their conversation illustrates how attorneys can draw on their existing skills to serve people facing extraordinary circumstances, even when the path forward is new.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-mobilizing-justice-habeas-advocacy-immigration-detention

Pro bono work doesn’t always stop at the border. In this episode, Lavanga Wijekoon, shareholder and Pro Bono Committee co-chair, talks with Michael Whitbread, of counsel, about a complex pro bono matter in Guernsey involving discrimination protections and the rights of a transgender-identifying child, and how Michael has used his international experience to help identify legal resources and support for the case.

Their conversation explores how attorneys can draw on colleagues and resources around the world to help address legal needs outside their own jurisdictions. Michael also shares examples from other cross-border matters and offers a simple takeaway for attorneys interested in getting involved: you don’t have to know exactly where to start to make a difference.

Each year, Littler joins the American Bar Association’s National Celebration of Pro Bono in recognizing the meaningful work of our attorneys and professional staff. Through their pro bono service, they help individuals and organizations in need and make a difference in communities near and far.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-going-beyond-borders-turning-global-connections-local-impact

Pro bono service takes many forms, and election protection gives attorneys the chance to put their legal skills to work in ways that can make a meaningful difference for voters.

In this episode, Brandon Mita, shareholder and Pro Bono Committee member, Sarah Coats, special counsel, and Abby Giarrusso, of counsel, explore what that work can look like. Through stories of answering voters’ questions, monitoring the polls and working behind the scenes, they illustrate the many ways attorneys can contribute throughout the election process. They also discuss the resources and support available to volunteers and how skills they use every day can translate to election protection work.

Each year, Littler joins the American Bar Association’s National Celebration of Pro Bono in recognizing the meaningful work of our attorneys and professional staff. Through their pro bono service, they help individuals and organizations in need and make a difference in communities near and far.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/pro-bono-election-protection-action-voter-hotlines-polls

AI was supposed to make work more efficient. So why does using it sometimes feel like more work? Britney Torres, Senior Counsel and co-chair of Littler’s AI & Technology practice group, joins Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave to skip the “AI can write your emails!” conversation and tackle the more complicated questions that come with putting AI to work. Why aren’t employees embracing AI as quickly as expected? What happens when you drop new technology into old workflows? And what do employers do when AI starts helping employees draft detailed accommodation requests?

And because one episode can only contain so many existential questions about the future of work, Britney is helping lead Littler’s Future of Work Summit, November 2-3 in Washington, D.C. Claire and Nicole will be there too as Littler attorneys tackle the new, novel and not-so-easy-to-answer issues changing the workplace.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-ai-work-reality-check-adoption-efficiency-and-employee-use

Workplace safety isn’t just about responding when something goes wrong. It’s about identifying risks, asking questions, soliciting input, and making informed decisions before a situation reaches a breaking point. In this episode, Claire Deason and Nicole LeFave sit down with Littler shareholder Adam Fiss to discuss the complexities of workplace violence prevention and response, from threat assessments and mental health considerations to crisis planning and emerging legal requirements. As Adam explains, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer when employers are faced with potential threats or high-stakes situations. Their conversation examines how employers can work to balance safety obligations with the realities of managing a modern workforce.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/littler-lounge-workplace-violence-prevention-and-crisis-response

In this Pride Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Jenny Orr, a shareholder in Littler’s Cleveland office, leads a candid conversation with Haley Norwillo, an associate in the Philadelphia office, and Jean Schmidt, a retired shareholder from the firm’s New York City office, on how sports shape who we are – both personally and professionally.

Together, they reflect on changing access to athletics, the growing visibility of LGBTQ+ identities in sports, and the lasting impact of teamwork, resilience and mentorship. The discussion offers a look at how inclusive environments – on and off the field – help people build confidence, form connections and contribute at their best.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-pride-month-power-inclusion-field-and-workplace

In this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Austin-based shareholder Nicole LeFave is joined by Lehoan Pham and Michelle Christy, associates in Littler’s Minneapolis office, to discuss the role of pro bono service in supporting individuals in need and shaping the legal profession.

Centered on this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, the conversation explores Littler’s involvement in the Minnesota Habeas Project and reflects more broadly on how attorneys show up for their communities through service.

They also share what motivated their involvement and reflect on how a commitment to due process and compassion shapes their work, offering a look at how collective efforts across Littler and the broader legal community help expand access to justice.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-aanhpi-heritage-month-meeting-moment-through-pro-bono-service

What does it mean to “step up” – and why does it matter?

In this Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Esther Redman, an associate in Littler’s Phoenix office, is joined by Angel Garrett, a shareholder in Littler’s San Francisco office, and Jordan Wada, an associate in Littler’s Seattle office, to discuss how bar associations and community involvement help build connection, confidence and career momentum.

Grounded in this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month theme, Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together, the conversation explores how leadership often begins with small steps – mentoring a peer, raising a hand, or creating space for others.

Along the way, they reflect on the lasting impact of history, the importance of representation, and how investing in others continues to shape the future of the legal profession.

In this Black History Month episode of Littler Celebrates, Melissa Ackie, shareholder in Littler’s Austin office, reflects on legacy and representation with Vicki Phipps and Alexis Boyd, a mother daughter duo whose careers intersect across generations.

Vicki, a former Littler shareholder in Houston, reflects on a distinguished, non linear legal career spanning private practice, in house leadership, and public service. Alexis, a Houston based associate, shares her path from higher education and Title IX work to law school and litigation as a second career attorney, ultimately joining Littler.

Together, they examine mentorship, career pivots, and the importance of representation, illustrating how legacy is built not by following the same path, but by passing forward values, resilience, and belief in what’s possible.

https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/celebrating-black-history-month-transformative-power-professional-legacy