Advertise on podcast: Littler Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Podcast

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

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

In this special Veterans Day episode, Associate Caroline Lutz (military spouse) welcomes three colleagues whose lives have been shaped by military service – whether as veterans or as family members. Shareholders Matt Hank (Army veteran) and Zoe Argento (Navy veteran), and Littler CaseSmart Counsel Lisa Bolen (military spouse) share personal stories about how their military backgrounds have influenced their careers, their approach to client service, and their perspectives on resilience and adaptability. They share candid reflections on leadership, teamwork and navigating challenges – both in the armed forces and in the legal profession. The conversation also explores the unique experiences of military spouses and the importance of community and support networks. https://www.littler.com/news-analysis/podcast/veterans-day-2025-stories-service-and-resilience

In this Littler Celebrates episode honoring Pride Month, Shareholders Trevor Hardy and Jennifer Orr share their personal journeys of coming out – both as LGBTQ+ and as individuals with disabilities. They reflect on how these intersecting identities have shaped their resilience, fueled their growth, and empowered their legal careers. Their conversation offers insight into the strength found in authenticity and the importance of inclusion in the workplace. www.littler.com/pride

In this Littler Celebrates episode honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, host Devjani Mishra – a shareholder in Littler’s New York office and co-chair of the firm’s 'Ohana Affinity Group – is joined by Littler attorneys Brandon Mita and Lavanga Wijekoon, along with special guest Jeff Sun, Senior Director and Counsel at Exelixis, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of sports, identity, and the legal profession. Centered on the iconic 1989 French Open victory of Michael Chang, the discussion explores how this historic moment became a lasting symbol of perseverance, cultural identity, and quiet strength within the AANHPI community. Through personal reflections on immigration, belonging, resilience, and leadership, the episode highlights how lived experience and heritage continue to shape the way these legal professionals and allies lead, advocate, and inspire – both in and beyond the courtroom.

Margaret Parnell Hogan, co-chair of Littler’s Women's Leadership Initiative and shareholder, speaks with Anna Curry Gualano, principal and Littler Learning Group director. They discuss Anna’s journey, the women who have inspired her along the way, and how she, in turn, inspires many at the firm.

Emily Haigh, U.S. Army veteran and co-founder of Littler's Veterans Initiative, speaks with Littler attorneys Michael Kibbe, Caroline Lutz and Jonathan Heller, about how their military experience has had a positive impact on their legal practice.

When President Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential campaign last month and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic Party’s nominee, the move resulted in several historical firsts. It also placed a swift focus on intersectionality and identity politics as tensions mount in the final stretch of the 2024 election cycle. Littler Principal Cindy-Ann Thomas and her guests, University of North Carolina (Charlotte) Associate Chair of Communications Studies, Professor Debra C. Smith, and Littler Shareholder Bradford Kelley, explore: - The interplay of race, gender, and ethnicity for women in leadership and how they detract from meaningful conversations about suitability and competence; - Why and how topics like appearance, attire, voice pitch/tone, laughter, temperament, and likeability continue to persist so disproportionately for women; - The real meaning of “DEI Hire” and other coded terms; - How the perpetuation of inappropriate labels and evaluation criteria hinder progress for members of historically minoritized populations in key leadership roles – beyond the position of POTUS; - The role that the media and big tech ecosystem play in normalizing coded language, microaggressions, and stereotypes; - How biased messaging and beliefs about political candidates spill into workplaces; and - Possible guidelines – and guardrails - for implementing standards of conduct and handling discussions of politically diverse perspectives present in the workplace. This podcast offers an in-depth discussion about how and why an increasingly contentious election cycle is having such a taxing and divisive impact for so many.

Littler’s Anna Curry Gualano is joined by her father, Ashley Curry, to discuss their advocacy work in Alabama to update the traditional accessibility symbol to one that is more inclusive and empowering.