INDIANAPOLIS (November 14, 2025) — Barnes & Thornburg, a national law firm with more than 800 lawyers in 23 offices across the United States, announced today that John Maley has been named chair of the firm's Labor and Employment Department. Maley succeeds partner Kenneth Yerkes, who has served in the role since 2000.
Maley brings three decades of trial- and appellate-level experience representing public and private employers across the country in complex employment law, higher education, and governmental matters.
"I am honored to take on this role at a time when employers across industries face unprecedented workforce and regulatory challenges," said Maley. "Our clients expect not only deep experience but strategic insight and responsiveness. I look forward to collaborating with our talented colleagues nationally to deliver best-in-class outcomes and to help our clients navigate the changing world of work with confidence."
Maley has spent his entire professional career at Barnes & Thornburg after joining the firm in 1990. He has handled "bet-the-company" trial experience in multiple jurisdictions, prosecuting and defending cases with nine-figure damages, and has appeared in more than 25 jurisdictions as lead counsel. Last month, Maley was elected president of the Indiana State Bar Association for its 130th year. The appointment recognizes Maley's decades of dedication to the legal profession and his commitment to serving Indiana's legal community.
"John's reputation as a powerful advocate and strategic counselor in the labor and employment space is outstanding," said Andrew Detherage, the firm's managing partner. "His ability to handle significant and precedent-setting litigation, as well as counsel clients proactively, makes him the ideal leader for our Labor and Employment Department. Under his guidance, I have no doubt the group will continue to excel and grow in service to our clients."
Under Yerkes' leadership, Barnes & Thornburg's Labor and Employment Department has established itself as a nationally recognized elite group in multiple subject matters. The department is now comprised of more than 80 lawyers who advise clients on a broad range of HR issues affecting growth and profitability — from productivity, employee benefits and rising healthcare costs to traditional labor law and union avoidance tactics, as well as geographically diverse litigation matters threatening the bottom line and reputation.
Yerkes served on the firm's Management Committee for 14 years and, as the chair of the firm's Strategic Vision Committee, he was instrumental in developing the firm's successful growth strategy in the early 2000s driven by client needs and expectations. This November, Yerkes received the firm's Client Service Award, which acknowledges outstanding client service that exceeds expectations and enhances relationships. For decades, Yerkes has developed countless client relationships for the firm, and in-house counsel routinely hire him when they switch companies.
Based in Indianapolis, Yerkes has a stellar trial record, has negotiated collective bargaining agreements for iconic American companies across the country, and has arbitrated hundreds of cases for clients under their collective bargaining agreements. Recognized with numerous awards, including the BTI Client Service All-Stars and twice-named Labor Law - Management Lawyer of the Year, Yerkes has been recognized not only by his colleagues but by industry peers as well.
"I have been honored and humbled to serve as chair of the Labor and Employment Department for 25 years," Yerkes said. "It is time for a transition, and I am thrilled that John is willing to serve and continue our vision and expand on it with his vast experience. He is an exceptional lawyer and person."
With more than 800 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the country. The firm serves clients worldwide from 23 offices across the United States. For more information, please visit btlaw.com.