Littler Appoints New Chairs of Workplace Policy Institute

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28, 2025) – Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, is pleased to announce that James A. Paretti, Jr. and Alexander T. MacDonald have been appointed to help lead the firm's esteemed Workplace Policy Institute^® (WPI^®), alongside current WPI chair Maury Baskin.

WPI, founded and chaired by the late Michael J. Lotito, is the government relations and public policy arm of Littler. Baskin, MacDonald and Paretti will work with WPI Executive Director Shannon Meade to lead the group as it focuses on defining and shaping workplace policy at the international, national and local levels.

“Alex and Jim have worked closely with Michael over the years and are ideally positioned to carry on his legacy and help lead WPI into the future,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “It is a natural progression for them to take on these new roles and, alongside Maury and Shannon, continue WPI’s efforts to influence and advocate for the interests of employers on critical workplace issues. Their combined experience and leadership will continue to be instrumental in WPI’s efforts to help clients navigate myriad legislative and regulatory changes in today’s complex regulatory environment.”

MacDonald advises employers on legislative, administrative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels. With previous experience working in-house at a major technology company as the director of future of work issues, MacDonald brings unique experience managing and anticipating cutting-edge legal developments impacting the workplace. 

Paretti is well versed in all aspects of legislative and political processes. He has over two decades of experience working with federal legislators and policymakers, including former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Chairmen of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and senior level administration officials. Notably, Paretti also previously served as chief of staff and senior counsel to the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

About Littler 

With more than 1,900 labor and employment attorneys in offices around the world, Littler provides workplace solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse global team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, delivering groundbreaking innovation that prepares employers for what’s happening today, and what’s likely to happen tomorrow.

About Littler WPI

WPI advocates for employers on a global scale. Working closely with businesses and trade associations, WPI serves as a strong voice for employers and their workplaces to navigate real-time changes in employment and labor law, while influencing the legislation of tomorrow. By harnessing Littler’s global depth of knowledge and expansive resources for tracking emerging issues that affect the workplace, WPI brings employers’ interests to the forefront of today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.