Robert C. Long – Top Attorney
Chicago, IL WW/Press/ – Robert C. Long, shareholder at Littler Mendelson, P.C., is recognized and distinguished in the Top Attorneys of North America 2025-2026 edition.
Robert C. Long, a Shareholder at Littler Mendelson, is a widely respected authority on the intricate labor and employment challenges that arise in the context of corporate transactions. With a career spanning decades, Bob has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to corporate clients, private equity firms, and multinational corporations navigating mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, downsizing, reorganization, and turnaround efforts in troubled industries. His expertise and leadership have made him a cornerstone of Littler Mendelson’s Business Restructuring Practice Group, which he founded.
Bob’s work is defined by his ability to guide clients through the complexities of structuring corporate transactions to minimize risk and maximize value. His approach encompasses every stage of the transaction process, including transaction planning and due diligence, ensuring that labor, employment, and employee benefits considerations are thoroughly addressed during the planning phase. He collaborates with corporate lawyers to craft agreements that protect clients’ interests, works to restructure labor agreements to align with the goals of the transaction, and helps clients seamlessly integrate workforces and navigate labor challenges after a deal is finalized. Bob frequently collaborates with leading mergers and acquisitions attorneys, accountants, and management consultants to deliver comprehensive solutions that drive successful outcomes for his clients.
With over 350 labor contract negotiations under his belt, Bob is a seasoned labor negotiator known for his ability to achieve creative, win-win solutions. His experience includes serving as chief negotiator in high-stakes national contract negotiations, representing multiemployer associations in industry-wide agreements, and working with some of the country’s largest unions, earning respect from union leadership for his collaborative and effective approach. Bob’s negotiation style is characterized by efficiency, creativity, and a focus on fostering productive labor-management relationships. He is adept at navigating the complexities of collective bargaining without the drama and acrimony that can hinder successful outcomes.
Bob’s clients range from small, closely held companies to Fortune 50 corporations and leading multinational organizations. Over the course of his career, he has represented many of the country’s top private equity firms in hundreds of transactions, including platform investments, bolt-on acquisitions, and exits. His role as special labor counsel for M&A and business restructuring activities has made him a trusted advisor to several industry-leading multinational corporations. Notable highlights of Bob’s career include representing the world’s largest steel company in national negotiations with the United Steelworkers (USW), advising the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) in their first UAW contract and subsequent negotiations, and serving as a key advisor in labor arbitrations, unfair labor practice (ULP) proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
Before joining Littler Mendelson in 2003, Bob spent over 24 years at a Chicago law firm, where he co-founded and co-chaired the business restructuring labor and employment group. His academic credentials include a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Knox College. Bob’s commitment to his profession extends beyond his legal practice. He is an active member of several organizations, including Knox College Board of Trustees, the Advisory and Planning Board for the Annual Chicago Kent Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations and Labor Law Conferences, the Association for Corporate Growth, the Turnaround Management Association, the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association.
Robert C. Long’s unparalleled expertise, strategic vision, and dedication to his clients have solidified his position as a leader in labor and employment law for corporate transactions. Whether guiding private equity firms through complex M&A deals or negotiating high-stakes labor agreements, Bob’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the field. His ability to navigate the intersection of labor law and corporate strategy makes him an invaluable partner to businesses seeking to achieve their goals while fostering strong labor-management relationships.
The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.
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