Biography
Jeff Nowak is a shareholder for Littler Mendelson, P.C., the world’s largest employment practice representing employers. Jeff has decades of experience advising and litigating on behalf of employers on a wide range of complex employment law matters so they can run the most profitable business and efficient operations without being side-tracked by discrimination claims, strikes or other workplace issues.
Jeff is a recognized leader on FMLA and ADA issues, helping employers develop comprehensive strategies to achieve compliance with employee leave and accommodation issues. Jeff is lauded by clients for his ability to bring a practical approach and unflappable demeanor to the most sensitive and difficult situations, always with an eye on the client’s business and operational objectives. Given his experience in leave management and workplace accommodations, Jeff regularly counsels and litigates on behalf of some of the country’s largest and diverse employers on these critical employment issues.
Jeff is the author of the highly regarded FMLA Insights (www.fmlainsights.com) blog, which has earned him entry into the ABA Journal’s Blogger Hall of Fame. He also is a highly-sought after speaker on FMLA/ADA issues, most notably serving on the faculty of the National Employment Law Institute (NELI) and a frequent speaker for the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC).
In addition to practicing law, Jeff also is heavily involved in his community. Jeff has served as an elected Village Trustee for the Village of LaGrange, Illinois, and on the board of directors for Marist High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school on Chicago’s southwest side and his alma mater. A self-proclaimed baseball fanatic, avid White Sox fan and former high school/semi-pro baseball umpire, Jeff recently became president of the La Grange Little League, fulfilling a dream that rivals his daytime job.
Jeff earned his J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and his B.A. in political science from Indiana University, where he served as student body president.