Littler shareholder Jen Chierek Znosko was appointed as the new co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). She succeeds Jennifer A. Youpa, who will be retiring this year. She will serve alongside co-chair Margaret Parnell Hogan.
The WLI was formed in 2009 to develop and retain women leaders. We sat down with Znosko to discuss her appointment and the WLI’s impact on her practice.
AALM: As a new co-chair of Littler’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, what goals do you have to better support the firm’s women?
JCZ: My goal is to partner with my co-chair Margaret Parnell Hogan to build on Littler’s strong legacy of exceptional women leaders while creating pathways for the next generation to thrive. We want to identify emerging talent, provide meaningful opportunities for growth, and foster an environment where women at every stage of their careers feel supported, empowered, and equipped to lead.
AALM: As a member of the firm’s pay equity team, do you think you bring any particular expertise or insight into this role that will help drive the initiative forward?
JCZ: In my work with clients, I spend a great deal of time addressing how fair and equitable pay practices influence employee engagement and retention. Compensation reflects how individuals feel valued within an organization. That perspective has been invaluable in shaping our conversations within the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), ensuring that we not only advocate for equitable pay but also cultivate an environment where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
AALM: Prior to your appointment, can you tell us how the initiative shaped or supported your practice?
JCZ: I’ve been part of WLI since joining Littler 14 years ago, and it was one of the reasons I chose the firm—I saw women achieving the very goals I aspired to in my own career.
I started as Of Counsel in an 80% role when my first son was only 6 months old and we later welcomed our second. That flexibility allowed me to grow as a lawyer while prioritizing my family. Over time, I had the chance to work on some complex cases and transition to a full-time shareholder track role, which helped me advance to shareholder in 2019.
Since then, I’ve served as the St. Louis office liaison and participated in WLI leadership training twice, first virtually during COVID and then in person. Both experiences reinforced the value of this initiative in shaping my journey. Seeing leaders like Nancy Delogu, who co-chairs our Drug and Alcohol Testing Practice Group alongside me, has been a powerful example of how WLI fosters collaboration and leadership at the highest levels.
AALM: Any words for Jennifer Youpa on the eve of her retirement?
JCZ: Jennifer has been an extraordinary leader and trusted advisor throughout my time at Littler. As my management committee representative and the WLI co-chair, she served as both a mentor and source of thoughtful guidance and candid advice. I’m deeply grateful for her wisdom and support, and I wish her every happiness as she begins this exciting new chapter. She has set an incredibly high standard of leadership, and I’m committed to honoring that legacy.
AALM: Do you believe that the labor and employment practice as a whole is welcoming to female leaders? Can you share any challenges you’ve faced as you’ve grown your practice and/or any advice you have for younger women attorneys coming up in the field?
JCZ: I believe the culture of the firm matters more than the practice area, and Littler has been incredibly inclusive, creating an environment where we can show up as our authentic selves and define success on our own terms. One of the biggest challenges I faced came during my second year as a shareholder, when COVID shut down the courts and litigation slowed dramatically. That moment forced me to pivot, and it ultimately opened new doors. I deepened my work in the Drug and Alcohol Testing Practice Group, raised my hand for leadership, and was honored to be appointed co-chair. Around the same time, I joined the Pay Equity group and began conducting pay equity audits, a natural fit given my undergraduate degree in math background. My advice to younger women attorneys is this: work hard, embrace the unexpected turns in your career, and trust the process. Those twists and turns often lead to your greatest opportunities.
AALM: Anything else you’d like to add?
JCZ: Just a heartfelt thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on something I truly care about. It’s exciting to contribute to a conversation that helps advance women’s leadership in the legal profession.
