Atty. Peter J. Petesch

Atty. Peter J. Petesch

Peter J. Petesch handles a wide range of labor and employment matters, including litigation under: The Railway Labor Act The Americans With Disabilities Act The Family and Medical Leave Act Title VII The Age Discrimination in Employment Act Sarbanes-Oxley AIR 21 – the Wendell H.

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Profile Summary

About Peter J. Petesch at a glance

Peter J. Petesch is a employment attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Littler. Admitted to practice in Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association and District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar. Educated at Georgetown University (J.D., 1985) and Georgetown University (—, 1985). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

Peter J. Petesch handles a wide range of labor and employment matters, including litigation under:

  • The Railway Labor Act
  • The Americans With Disabilities Act
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act
  • Title VII
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
  • Sarbanes-Oxley
  • AIR 21 – the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century

    He has successfully defended employers in individual and class-based cases before federal and state courts and agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Mediation Board, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor's Office of Administrative Law Judges.

    Peter has more than 20 years of experience in representing employers in disability-related matters under both Titles I and III of the ADA, and he has taught webinars in both areas. He counsels, litigates and trains on leave issues and whistleblower matters under Sarbanes-Oxley. Peter often works with airlines, offering strategic advice on:

    • Union avoidance
    • Collective bargaining
    • Arbitrations
    • AIR 21 whistleblower claims

      He also works with healthcare facilities and trade associations, as well as the hospitality, retail and service industries. Additionally, he represented a large human resources association as an amicus participant in four employment law cases before the Supreme Court.

      Co-chair of Littler Mendelson's Transportation Industry Practice Group and a core member of the EEO and Leaves of Absence and Disability Accommodation Practice Groups, Peter has published numerous books and articles on the ADA and other employment issues for a variety of trade journals and has been quoted on labor and employment issues in the national media.

      Prior to working at Littler, Peter was the managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office of another nationwide labor and employment firm.

      Practice Areas Explained

      Peter J. Petesch's Areas of Practice

      Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter J. Petesch handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

      Employment Law

      Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

      Peter J. Petesch is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in District of Columbia →

      Jurisdictional Context

      Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

      Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

      Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

      Frequently Asked

      Common questions about Peter J. Petesch

      Where is Peter J. Petesch's law office located?
      Peter J. Petesch's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Littler. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
      What practice areas does Peter J. Petesch handle?
      Peter J. Petesch focuses on employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
      Where did Peter J. Petesch go to law school?
      Peter J. Petesch earned their education at (J.D., 1985); (—, 1985).
      How can I contact Peter J. Petesch for a consultation?
      You can contact Peter J. Petesch directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
      What awards or recognition has Peter J. Petesch received?
      Peter J. Petesch's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam Law; Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law.

      Education

      J.D.
      Georgetown University
      - 1985
      Georgetown University
      - 1985

      Awards

      Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Qui Tam Law
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Airline
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Arbitration and Mediation
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Class Actions
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Disability
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Discrimination
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Harassment
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Management
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Transportation
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Whistleblowers
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
      - 2026
      Best Lawyers in America — CDC National Business and Labor Award for Leadership in HIV/AIDS
      - 2026
      Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management, Washington (D.C.)
      - 2021

      Bar Admissions

      Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association
      District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar

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