McDermott Will & Emery LLP handles a vast array of employment counseling mandates including investigations, pay equity, training, M&A and private equity matters. Rachel Cowen co-heads the practice from Chicago and oversees a range of matters at federal and state level from collective bargaining to trade secret-related litigation. Fellow co-head Maria Rodriguez is based in Los Angeles and assists media and entertainment clients with litigation and employment counseling issues such as inclusion initiatives, discrimination training and executive contracts. In Chicago, litigator Michael Sheehan offers strategic guidance on C-suite arrivals and departures as well as on sexual harassment allegations and whistle-blower complaints. Located in New York, Lindsay Ditlow is an expert in M&A transactions and corporate compliance, while Stephania Sanon offers advice on C-suite employment transitions, complaint investigations, terminations and remote work polices.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The lawyers have exceptional knowledge of employment law issues, lots of experience and great judgment in proposing practical, effective solutions.’
‘Rachel Cowan is an exceptional employment law advisor.’
‘This practice is unique because they are practical, smart and concise. They track our business entities and alert me when the legal landscape changes or our business is legally impacted, and I greatly appreciate that. They proactively support us and we see see them as an extension of our team.’
‘Chris Brahman and Todd Solomon are amazing. Chris provides significant support as it relates to employment matters, Class Actions and PAGA. Todd has been the first person that I've called with each new opportunity. I trust him implicitly.’
‘Overall, the MWE employment team has been great to work with. Every partner I have worked with has been really knowledgeable and practical. They really stay on top of developments in case law and regulations and anticipate our needs.’
‘Stephania Sanon is great! She stands out as an advisor. She is very knowledgeable and guides us through compliance matters. She is really practical and understanding of employment matters that we deal with.’
Key clients
- Children’s Law Center
- Lagunitas Brewing Company
- New Belgium Brewing Company
- Rubio’s
- SC30
- Ayesha Curry Companies
- SeaWorld
- Summit Health
- CityMD
- The Knot
Work highlights
Representing Rubio's in connection with various store closures across California and Nevada and related layoffs, particularly providing guidance with regards to the applicability of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988 and California mini-WARN Act and related wage and hour implications.
Advising multiple clients including SeaWorld, New Belgium Brewing Company and an athletic apparel brand affiliated with a prominent NBA player, on the ADA website accessibility claims, particularly those alleging non-compliance with WCAG standards under Title III.
Representing SC30, Ayesha Curry Companies and other related entities as an outside general counsel for providing labor and employment advice while coordinating support across corporate, IP, governance matters, and executive leadership.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Rachel Cowen; Maria Rodriguez
Other key lawyers
Michael Sheehan; Lindsay Ditlow; Stephania Sanon; Chris Brahman; Todd Solomon