Gunster, one of Florida's oldest and largest full-service business law firms, is proud to announce that its Chairman and former U.S. Senator, George LeMieux, today gave introductory remarks as Keith Sonderling was nominated as the Deputy Secretary of Labor during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Pictured in the photo are Gunster colleagues Greg Schwinghammer, Brian McPherson, Joe Santoro, George LeMieux, Jon Philipson, as well as former Gunster attorney Steve Muscatello, who collectively joined in honoring the appointment of Gunster Alumnus Keith Sonderling.
Sonderling, who was formerly a Commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), practiced employment and labor law at Gunster for nearly a decade before joining the government in 2017. LeMieux, who served as Florida's 34th United States Senator from 2009-2011 and chairs The Florida Council of 100, spoke highly of his former colleague, stating "I've known Mr. Sonderling since he started his career in law. He is an expert in labor and employment issues. He not only counseled clients on these issues but litigated them. He is hardworking. He is fair. He is honest. He is practical and he is a problem-solver. He will do a great job as the Deputy Secretary of Labor."
In Sonderling's new role, he will oversee the policymaking, regulation and enforcement of the nation's labor laws while working to better the future of America's workforce. “My record of balancing law enforcement, providing compliance assistance, modernizing outdated regulations, and proactively addressing workplace issues demonstrates my shared belief that, under President Trump’s leadership, we will be prepared for the opportunities and challenges facing the workforce over the next four years,” Sonderling said.
LeMieux's appearance before the Senate Committee was a 'full circle' moment marked by the convergence of his and Sonderling's professional lives. "Keith is a friend and a leader who has dedicated his career to public service and the advancement of the American worker. I am honored to introduce him today and I am confident that he will serve our country with distinction and integrity as the Deputy Secretary of Labor," LeMieux said.
The confirmation hearing was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10am ET and can be viewed here.
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About Gunster
Gunster, Florida’s law firm for business, provides full-service legal counsel to leading organizations and individuals from its 12 offices statewide. Established in 1925, the firm has expanded, diversified and evolved, but always with a singular focus: Florida and its clients’ stake in it. A magnet for business-savvy attorneys who embrace collaboration for the greatest advantage of clients, Gunster’s growth has not been at the expense of personalized service but because of it. The firm serves clients from its offices in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm Beach, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, Vero Beach, and its headquarters in West Palm Beach. With more than 300 attorneys and consultants, and 300 committed support staff, Gunster is ranked among the top 200 largest law firms by the National Law Journal and has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Diverse Law Firms by Law360. More information about its practices, industries, offices and news is available at www.gunster.com.
