John L. Litchfield

John L. Litchfield is a Partner at Foley & Lardner LLP whose primary practice focuses on complex labor and employment matters. He counsels employers on disability accommodations, workplace harassment, leave management, restrictive covenants, executive terminations, reductions in force, wage and hour compliance, and related state and federal employment laws. He also advises on artificial intelligence risks and opportunities involving employee recruitment, retention, and management, combining compliance guidance with litigation experience.

John earned his J.D., cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he served as a senior editor of the International Law Review. He received an M.Sc. from the University of Edinburgh and a B.A. from Miami University, where he studied diplomacy and foreign affairs. His legal education included comparative law programs in Rome, Oxford, and Santiago, providing a broad foundation for employment counseling, litigation, and workplace policy analysis.

John regularly represents employers in federal and state litigation involving disability discrimination, the Family and Medical Leave Act, harassment, and discrimination claims. He conducts on-site training on workplace conduct, sexual harassment prevention, diversity and inclusion, and other employment topics. His experience extends to campaign finance regulations and disputes before the City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services. He is also active in Foley’s artificial intelligence initiatives and ESG-related work.

John L. Litchfield is admitted in Illinois and in the federal district courts for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois. His recognitions include Crain’s Chicago Business honors in employment and labor law and repeated Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections. He chairs Foley’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, serves on the Recruiting Committee, and maintains an active pro bono practice. His work combines employment counseling, courtroom advocacy, training, and organizational leadership.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Foley & Lardner LLP
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• President, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (2010-2014)
• Board Member, Miami University Alumni Association
• Board Member, Personal PAC Illinois
• Chairperson, Equality Illinois Political Action Committee (2014-2020)
• Vice Chair, Equality Illinois Education Fund (2018-2020)

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Loyola University Chicago School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) Cum Laude
• University of Edinburgh
  M.Sc.
• Miami University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges