Kelly M. Peña

Kelly M. Peña is Of Counsel at Littler in Miami, where she advocates for employers in labor and employment matters across the United States. She has extensive experience litigating claims involving Title VII, the Equal Pay Act, Section 1981, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. She also handles cases under state and local whistleblower and anti-discrimination laws, giving her practice a dual reach, both federal and state.

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2009 and went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 2013. Since then, she has represented employers before local, state, and federal administrative agencies nationwide. She frequently manages investigations, drafts position statements, negotiates settlements, and has secured numerous “no reasonable cause” determinations that were upheld on appeal. Her skills in both litigation and negotiation provide her clients with strategic advantages.

Kelly also counsels businesses on preventive measures and compliance. She advises employers of all sizes—from Fortune 50 corporations to closely held companies—on workplace issues such as hiring, discipline, terminations, position eliminations, harassment complaints, and pay equity matters. Additionally, she drafts and reviews employment agreements, restrictive covenants, and workplace policies to mitigate risk and protect employer interests.

Kelly M. Peña is highly regarded for conducting sensitive workplace investigations, including those involving allegations of harassment, employee misconduct, and sexual assault. Her clients span a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and professional services. Through litigation, compliance counseling, and investigations, she delivers practical, results-oriented strategies that enable employers to address challenges effectively while maintaining a compliant and respectful workplace.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Littler Mendelson P.C.
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Member, The Florida Bar, Labor and Employment Law Section
• President, The MDFAWL Foundation
• Board Member, The Rich Coast Project
• Committee Chair, The Florida Association for Women Lawyers, Miami-Dade Chapter

Licensed State

• Florida

Education

• Northeastern University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges