Thomas Bender

Thomas Bender
Principal

Thomas Bender is an exceptional leader and expert on firm management. Tom served as Littler Mendelson P.C.’s co-president and co-managing director from 2012-2020 and was responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm’s U.S. and global offices. He served on Littler’s board of directors and the Littler Global board. During the time he was co-managing director, Littler grew from over 900 lawyers to over 1600 lawyers in 25 countries. Tom was also a founding member of Littler’s Philadelphia office where he held the position of office managing shareholder for nine years. Under his leadership, the firm was recognized as a leader in innovation, earning a top ten spot on the Financial Times’ 2017 North America Innovative Lawyers Report. Tom has also been instrumental in advancing the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts, helping Littler gain significant recognition by the media, legal industry and clients.

A Chambers-ranked attorney, Tom has more than four decades of experience representing clients in labor relations matters. Prior to his election as co-president and co-managing director of Littler Mendelson, Tom’s practice focused on collective bargaining negotiations, arbitrations, and organizing drives and unfair labor practice proceedings. He has also represented clients in ERISA and other benefit plan litigation arising from collectively bargained pension and health and welfare plans. Tom has handled a wide variety of claims before the National Labor Relations Board and federal and state courts, with particular knowledge of The National Labor Relations Act, The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and the Labor Management Relations Act. He has represented clients in a broad range of industries, including transportation, truck manufacturing, healthcare, energy, waste management and hospitality.

Tom regularly provides commentary in business and legal media on firm management and legal industry issues and trends. Tom received his bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy and his J.D. from Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.

  • 2019 Canada Conference in Toronto, November 21, 2019
  • Fifth Annual Conference in Monterrey, NLE, October 3, 2019
  • Fourth Annual Conference in Monterrey, NLE, November 15, 2018
  • Fourth Annual Conference in Mexico City, November 14, 2018
  • Third Annual Conference in Mexico City, September 27, 2017
  • Third Annual Conference in Monterrey, NLE, September 26, 2017
  • Inaugural Canada Conference in Toronto, November 21, 2016
  • Second Annual Mexico Conference in Mexico City, October 5, 2016
  • Second Annual Mexico Conference in Monterrey, NLE, October 4, 2016
  • Littler Global Mexico Conference in Mexico City, November 11, 2015
  • Littler Global Mexico Conference in Monterrey, NLE, November 10, 2015
  • Named, The Best Lawyers in America©, 2013-2021
  • Named, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Chambers USA, 2012-2020
  • Awarded, AV® Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Named, Recommended Lawyer, Labor and Employment Disputes in Defense, Legal 500 United States, 2016
  •  Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
  • Member, Board of Directors, YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity, 2010-2012
  • Board Chair, YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity, 2010-2012