McDermott Will & Schulte handles a vast array of employment counseling mandates including investigations, pay equity, training, M&A and private equity matters. The head of practice, 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. Lindsay Ditlow departed the team in September 2025. Chris Brahman has left the firm. Rachel Cowen has left the firm. Stephania Sanon has left the firm. Michael Sheehan has left the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
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.’
‘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.’
‘Todd Solomon is amazing. 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.’
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
- Vermont Cider Company
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.
Practice head
Maria Rodriguez
Other key lawyers
Todd Solomon