KANSAS CITY, Mo. (April 15, 2026) — Lathrop GPM is pleased to announce that John Whitworth has joined the firm as counsel in the Labor & Employment practice group in the Kansas City office. Whitworth brings significant experience as the former in-house counsel at 10 Roads Express, adding depth to the firm’s capabilities in advising multistate employers and unions. His arrival builds on the practice group’s strong recent growth, following most notably, Senior Counsel Terry Kilroy last year, and more recently Jennifer Jacobs and Laura Farley in Minneapolis and Caroline Wolf in Los Angeles.
“John’s extensive experience managing high‑stakes labor issues from the inside provides a highly valuable perspective for our clients. This supports the continued expansion of our Labor and Employment practice,” said Dan Pyne, Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Labor & Employment practice. “He knows firsthand how quickly labor challenges can escalate. He also understands how important it is for businesses to respond with clarity and coordination. At Lathrop GPM, we help clients think ahead and prepare for what’s coming, not just react. John’s collaborative style and his ability to see both the legal and human sides of labor issues make him a natural fit for our team and for the clients we serve.”
Whitworth advises multi-state employers navigating the complexities of labor relations, collective bargaining, and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proceedings. Leveraging his experience within corporate legal departments, he provides a business-focused perspective that helps clients anticipate and mitigate labor risk before it disrupts operations. His focus is on practical solutions that align legal strategy with broader organizational goals. Whitworth understands the specific operational realities and challenges that corporate legal departments face. Drawing on his background managing complex labor issues from the inside, he partners closely with clients to align legal strategy with broader operational goals.
As trusted counsel, Whitworth works closely with multi-state employers to develop union-avoidance strategies, advises executive committees on strike preparedness, responds to labor disputes in real time, and negotiates collective bargaining agreements. He also manages initial contracts and handles successor collective bargaining agreements. He also provides guidance on the effects related to facility closures. This helps businesses promote long-term stability, maintain operations and protect their interests during labor disruptions.
Over the past five years, Whitworth has led dozens of union avoidance campaigns. He has completed hundreds of collective bargaining sessions and managed a national strike covering 13 locations. In each engagement, he brings a disciplined and results-oriented mindset. He focuses on achieving outcomes that serve the long-term health of the business and its workforce. Clients value his ability to translate complex labor law into actionable strategies. This minimizes risk and preserves business continuity.
“What drew me to Lathrop GPM is the firm’s commitment to meeting clients where they are and helping them stay ahead of labor challenges,” Whitworth said. “I’ve faced the same pressures and know the value of a steady, strategic partner. I’m excited to bring that experience to the team and clients.”