Richard F. Vitarelli Appointed Chair of AGC Labor and Employment Law Council
HARTFORD, CT (May 27, 2026) — Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Principal Richard F. Vitarelli has been appointed chair of the AGC Labor and Employment Law Council, serving a term from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The Council is comprised of attorneys who regularly represent chapters or contractor members of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in labor and employment matters.
“We are thrilled for Rick on this well-deserved appointment,” said Ryan P. Lessmann, national practice head of the firm’s Specialty groups. “He is a respected leader whose deep understanding of labor and employment challenges in the construction sector makes him an excellent choice to support AGC chapters and contractor members. His role as chair is a testament to the strength of our labor practice in the construction industry and the trust clients place in our team’s practical business focused guidance.”
Rick co-leads both the Labor Relations and Transactional Services groups, is a member of the Construction group and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. With more than three decades of experience, he represents employers in strategic labor relations and collective bargaining matters across industries, with a strong focus on the construction and infrastructure sectors. Rick negotiates national and multi‑employer collective bargaining agreements and represents employers in labor, employment and benefits matters and advises on employee relations strategy, transactions and restructuring matters.
The AGC supports construction contractors through advocacy, education and resources focused on workforce, labor and compliance challenges. Founded in 1983, the Council advances information‑sharing and education that help contractors navigate complex labor and employment issues with business‑focused guidance from industry advisors.
“Contractors are navigating a complex labor landscape right now, from government project labor agreement mandates, changes in prevailing wage laws, increased OSHA enforcement and governmental orders impacting diversity and participation,” said Rick. “Supported by AGC national staff, the AGC Labor and Employment Law Council is an accomplished group of in-house and outside labor and employment lawyers in the construction industry, who collaborate and share best practices to support industry employers. I’m honored to step into this role and support the great work of the AGC and the Council in pursuing practical, business‑minded employee relations and compliance strategies that keep projects moving.”
Among other industries, the firm’s Labor Relations group advises construction, infrastructure, energy (including new energy), health care and real estate employers in traditional labor law matters.
Rick earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. from Boston College.
More information about Jackson Lewis’ Labor Relations group and capabilities can be found here.
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.
For more information, please contact:
Kendall Melidosian, Public Relations Manager
T: (267) 319‑7831 / E: Kendall.Melidosian@jacksonlewis.com
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