Jacqueline Phipps Polito

Jacqueline Phipps Polito

Office Managing Shareholder, Littler

Years in current role: 7 as Office Managing Shareholder; 14 at Littler

What is one challenge currently facing the legal profession that deserves more attention?

One challenge demanding greater attention is the rapid rise of AI in the legal profession and how to use it responsibly. AI is transforming communications and analysis, enabling faster insights and more efficient client service. At Littler, we are integrating AI thoughtfully to enhance our communications and data-driven analysis while maintaining, not replacing, quality and judgment. We are equally focused on rigorously vetting every tool we use, ensuring strong guardrails around confidentiality, data security and client privacy. Getting that balance right matters more than ever as expectations are continually evolving.

How do you balance legal expertise with client service and relationship-building?

Balancing legal skill with client service starts with speaking the client’s language. Having served as a Chief Human Capital Initiatives Officer, I understand the legal framework and how HR leaders operate, including their priorities, internal pressures and decision-making processes. That perspective allows me to deliver advice that is both grounded in the law and aligned with business priorities. I focus on building relationships by tailoring guidance to each client’s goals, anticipating challenges and offering practical solutions. By combining legal insight with an operational HR mindset, I deliver counsel that not only addresses risk but drives better business decisions.

How important is community involvement or pro bono work within your organization?

Pro bono work is fundamental to our culture and values at Littler. We take immense pride in using our skills to make a meaningful difference for those who need it most, and we encourage each attorney to perform at least 25 hours of pro bono work each year. Littler provides its attorneys with full billable-hour credit for the first 100 hours of pro bono service annually and additional hours, if approved. Littler’s pro bono efforts have earned external recognition, including honors from organizations such as The Veterans Consortium, and individual attorneys have been recognized for outstanding pro bono contributions.

This profile is part of our Labor & Employment Law Power List for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at nydailyrecord.com.