NELA celebrates the confirmation of Karla Gilbride as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) General Counsel. Ms. Gilbride’s breadth of experience makes her well qualified to coordinate regional and field office litigation to maximize enforcement of federal employment anti-discrimination laws in harmony with the broader strategy of the agency.

The EEOC is the first defense for workers seeking justice when they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or other illegal treatment at their place of employment. In her hearing before the Senate HELP Committee, Ms. Gilbride’s responses demonstrated her deep knowledge of the issues for which the EEOC has responsibility and her strong commitment to the mission of the agency. For over 15 years, she has represented workers across industries, from migrant farmworkers to women in the finance industry to prison employees. She has represented many different clients, from many walks of life, but her mission has remained constant: to enforce workers’ rights to safe and equitable working conditions under the law.

Karla’s experience includes acting as Co-Director of Public Justice’s Access to Justice Project and serving as NELA’s Vice President of Public Policy. A NELA member since 2015, she has been instrumental in our efforts to end forced arbitration in employment claims. Earlier this year, she received a unanimous decision from the U.S. Supreme Court for her client, Robyn Morgan, the named plaintiff in Morgan v. Sundance, an important victory in the fight to end forced arbitration. Karla has also been an active member of the NELA Convention Committee and DEI Committee and has generously shared her expertise as a panelist at seminars and Conventions.

“Karla’s dedication to advocating for workers has been an inspiration to us all,” said NELA Executive Director Jeffrey Mittman, “and her confirmation bodes well for American workers. We congratulate Karla and look forward to working with her and the EEOC to continue to improve the landscape of workers’ rights in pursuit of equity and justice for workers and employers alike.”