Benesch Partner Peter Kirsanow Appointed to Fifth Term on U.S. Commission on Civil Rights; Becomes Longest-Serving Member

Benesch is pleased to announce that Peter Kirsanow, a partner in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, has been appointed to his fifth six-year term on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (CCR) by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson. With this appointment, Peter becomes the longest-serving member in the Commission’s history.

The CCR is an eight-member bipartisan commission responsible for investigating, reporting on and making recommendations regarding civil rights issues in the United States. Under Peter’s leadership, the Commission’s work during the first half of 2026 will focus primarily on antisemitism on college campuses.

“Peter’s continued service on the Commission reflects his longstanding dedication to civic leadership,” said Benesch Managing Partner Gregg Eisenberg. “We are proud to support his work and the important role he continues to play in advancing meaningful dialogue on critical civil rights issues.”

Benesch remains deeply committed to inclusion and opportunity, and has long supported efforts to combat antisemitism, both through legal work and philanthropic efforts. The firm encourages its attorneys and staff to engage in civic participation that drives meaningful impact and change.

Peter focuses his practice on employment-related litigation, contract negotiations, NLRB proceedings, union matters, EEO matters and arbitration. He previously served on the National Labor Relations Board and has testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on several U.S. Supreme Court nominations. His experience also includes leading successful litigation on behalf of the National Association of Manufacturers challenging the NLRB’s Notice of Employer Rights Posting Rule, resulting in a decision that struck down the rule in its entirety and impacted more than six million employers nationwide.

Visit the CCR website to learn more.