Overview

Stephanie D. Sarantopoulos is an experienced litigator and counselor who serves in a firm leadership role as Program Director of the Littler onDemand Program. Based in Minneapolis, she oversees and contributes to the accomplishment of Littler onDemand goals and initiatives by providing oversight for the advice and counsel work managed on the Littler onDemand platform; ensuring successful client implementation and client relations; hiring, training and supervising an experienced team of Littler onDemand Counsel; and ensuring successful collaboration among team members.

Before joining the Littler onDemand team, Stephanie represented clients in employment litigation and provided advice and counsel on all aspects of employment and human resource matters. Her practice included defending employers in claims arising under various federal and state statutes and common law causes of action, with a focus on federal employment discrimination litigation arising under:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Stephanie has wide-ranging litigation experience in state and federal courts, and she has also represented clients before federal and state administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In addition, she has advised employers on the practical and legal implications of everyday employment decisions and their implications, record retention best practices, and public accommodation requirements.

A frequent speaker on labor and employment matters, her presentations include guidance on:

  • Discrimination, harassment and retaliation lawsuits
  • Leave and accommodation
  • Employee discipline and discharge
  • Personnel policies and practices
  • Management and employee training
  • Workplace safety including compliance under pandemic conditions

Stephanie is a current member of Littler’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and a past member of the firm's Associates Committee.

Previously, Stephanie worked at a small boutique law firm where she focused on employment matters. In law school, she was director of the Esdaile Moot Court program, Vice President of the Health Law Association, and a counselor for the Boston District Court's Battered Women's Advocacy Project.

Professional & Community Affiliations

Member

Massachusetts State Bar Association

Member

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member

Minnesota Women Lawyers

Director

Continuing Legal Education, New Lawyers Division

Hennepin County Bar Association

2009-present

Recognition

Named, Rising Star

Employment Litigation

Minnesota Law and Politics

Speaking Engagements

Termination Issues Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

July 25, 2024

Discipline Challenges Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

March 20, 2024

Privacy Issues Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

December 14, 2023

2023 Midwest Regional Employer Conference

Minneapolis, MN

November 9, 2023

Hiring Issues Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

September 21, 2023

Personnel Management Challenges Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

June 22, 2023

Workplace Violence Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

February 28, 2023

Conducting Effective Investigations and Climate Assessments in the Evolving Workplace

Twin Cities Society for Human Resource Management – 2023 Legal Summit, Minneapolis, MN

February 2023

2022 Midwest Regional Employer Conference

Minneapolis, MN

November 3, 2022

Drug Testing Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

October 18, 2022

Wage & Hour Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

July 28, 2022

Leaves of Absence Through the LoD Lens – Compliant Solutions for the Questions You Have Today

Webinar

April 20, 2022

Moving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Forward - Part 2: A DE&I Training Session - Fostering a Diverse, Inclusive and Respectful Culture

Minneapolis, MN

June 17, 2021

Moving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Forward - Part 1

April 27, 2021

Minnesota Employment Law Update: Lessons from 2020 and What You Need To Know Going Into 2021

2021 TCSHRM Legal Summit

February 4, 2021

Getting MN Back to Work - Maintaining a Safe Place to Work and Visit

June 17, 2020

"Stop the Madness! Effective Ways to Protect Your Organization Against FMLA Abuse and Navigate Related Statutes Along the Way"

MRA Federal and Minnesota Employment Law Update, Minnetonka, MN

March 12, 2020

Managing Minefields: Navigating Employment Laws and Management Challenges

TCSHRM February Legal Summit, Minneapolis, MN

February 13, 2020

Agency Perspectives: Understanding & Complying With the New Minnesota and Minneapolis Wage Theft Act

2019 Midwest Employer Conference, Minneapolis, MN

October 3, 2019

Workplace Investigations: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Facing New Challenges, Refining Your Techniques and Managing Evidence

2018 Midwest Employer Conference, Minneapolis, MN

November 8, 2018

You’ve Been Served: How to Prepare for, Respond to, and (with any luck) Avoid Being Sued

Minnesota State SHRM Conference, St. Cloud, MN

October 15, 2018

Don’t Get Wrecked by the Reckoning: How to Respond to Harassment in the Age of #MeToo

Minneapolis, MN

April 19, 2018

You’ve Been Served: How to Prepare for, Respond to, and (with any luck) Avoid Being Sued

2017 Midwest Employer Conference, Minneapolis, MN

October 26, 2017

Religious Accommodation: Withdrawal Liability Basics and Development

Minnesota State SHRM Conference, Deluth, MN

October 9, 2017

Advocating for Yourself and Others: What Role Does Gender Play?

Women’s Leadership Initiative, Minneapolis, MN

April 16, 2017

Current Trends in Workplace Religious Accommodation

2016 Midwest Employer Conference, Minneapolis, MN

October 4, 2016

2012 Midwest Employer Conference

Minneapolis, MN

October 11, 2012

Ironclad Investigation Tactics

2012 Midwest Employer Conference

Littler Mendelson, Minneapolis, MN

October 11, 2012

Kate Wilson and Stephanie Sarantopoulos to Present at Management Seminar hosted by Hospitality Minnesota

April 19, 2007

Education

  • J.D., Boston University School of Law, 1998
  • B.S., Providence College, 1995magna cum laude

Bar Admission

Minnesota
Massachusetts

Courts

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 8th Circuit
  • Minnesota Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts