Four Jackson Lewis Attorneys Named to Lawdragon's 2027 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers Guide
NEW YORK (Oct. 15, 2026) — Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Principals Neil H. Dishman, Howard Shapiro, René E. Thorne and Richard F. Vitarelli have been named to The 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Corporate Employment Lawyers guide. Lawdragon recognizes attorneys who advise employers on workplace matters ranging from litigation and labor relations to employee benefits and selects honorees through a process combining independent research, submissions and vetting.
“Neil, Howard, René and Rick have earned the trust of clients by bringing clear judgment and practical advice to a wide range of workplace matters,” said Jackson Lewis Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. “I’m pleased to see Lawdragon recognize their work and the contributions they make to our firm.”
Neil is recognized by Lawdragon for labor and employment litigation. He leads employers through how to effectively prevent and resolve disputes involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, family and medical leave and wage and hour issues. He advises clients on personnel decisions and defends them when litigation arises. Neil is a principal in the firm’s Chicago office.
Howard is a permanent member of Lawdragon’s Hall of Fame and is recognized in the 2027 guide for ERISA litigation. His national practice focuses on defending complex ERISA class actions involving retirement plans, health and welfare plans and fiduciary duties. Howard is a principal in the firm’s New Orleans office.
René is honored by Lawdragon for employee benefits and ERISA litigation. A principal in the firm’s New Orleans office, she represents employers, benefit plans, fiduciaries, third-party administrators and trustees in complex benefits litigation nationwide. Her work includes ERISA class actions involving fiduciary duties, prohibited transactions and retirement plans.
Rick is lauded by Lawdragon for his labor and employment work involving unions. He represents employers in collective bargaining and strategic labor relations matters, including those arising from mergers, acquisitions and restructurings. A principal in the firm’s Hartford office, Rick serves on Jackson Lewis’ Board of Directors and co-leads the firm’s Labor Relations and Transactional Services groups.
About Jackson Lewis
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 1,100+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged and stable and share our clients’ goals to emphasize belonging and respect for the contributions of every employee. For more information, visit jacksonlewis.com.
Media Contact:
Kendall Melidosian
Public Relations Manager
(267) 319 7831
Kendall.Melidosian@jacksonlewis.com
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