Welcome to Chicago’s premier employment law firm. If you’re searching for experienced employment law lawyers in Chicago, you’re in the right place. As employment lawyer we focus on protecting the rights of employees and employers across various industries, providing top-tier legal counsel and representation.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Advocates: With decades of combined experience, our lawyers have a proven track record of success in employment law cases.
Focused Practice: We handle a wide range of employment law matters, including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, and more.
Personalized Attention: Every case is unique. We take the time to understand your specific situation and craft a legal strategy tailored to your needs.
Chicago-Based Professionals: We know Illinois employment laws inside and out and have deep knowledge of Chicago’s legal landscape. We routinely practice in the state and federal courts in Chicago the local agencies in Illinois.
Call our office today at (312) 818-2407 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled employment law attorneys in Chicago.
Our Practice Areas
We represent clients in a variety of employment law cases, including:
Wrongful Termination: Fighting for employees unlawfully fired from their jobs.
Workplace Discrimination: Defending your rights against discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion and other protected classes.
Sexual Harassment: Holding perpetrators and employers accountable for creating hostile work environments.
Wage and Hour Disputes: Ensuring employees receive fair pay for their work, including overtime and bonuses.
Employment Contracts: Assisting with contract reviews, negotiations, and disputes.
Retaliation Claims: Protecting whistleblowers and employees facing unfair retaliation.
How We Work
We combine deep legal expertise with compassion and determination. From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we prioritize clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and achieving the best possible outcome for you.
From an employment law perspective Chicago is unique because it has the protections of city and county (Cook County) ordinances in addition to state and federal protections.
Chicago Employment Ordinances
Key Laws Protecting Workers
The City of Chicago has enacted a series of employment ordinances to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. These ordinances set standards for wages, scheduling, and workplace safety, offering protections beyond federal and state laws. Below is a summary of the most important employment ordinances in Chicago.
Chicago Minimum Wage Ordinance
Overview: Employers in Chicago must comply with the city’s minimum wage, which is higher than the federal and Illinois minimum wage.
Annual Adjustments: Wages are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Fair Workweek Ordinance
Purpose: Ensures predictable work schedules for employees in certain industries, including hospitality, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
Key Provisions:
Employers must provide schedules in advance.
Employees are entitled to compensation for last-minute schedule changes.
Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
Eligibility: Employees working at least 80 hours within any 120-day period in Chicago.
Accrual:
Workers earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours annually.
Unused hours may carry over to the following year, subject to limits.
Usage: Sick leave can be used for personal illness, caring for a sick family member, or addressing domestic violence.
Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Protections: Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under Chicago ordinances, such as filing complaints or requesting sick leave.
Enforcement: Violations can lead to fines, penalties, and compensation for affected workers.
COVID-19 Anti-Retaliation Ordinance
Purpose: Protects workers impacted by COVID-19-related health issues.
Rights: Employees cannot be fired, demoted, or disciplined for taking time off to comply with public health guidelines, such as quarantining or isolating.
Wage Theft Ordinance
Definition: Wage theft occurs when employers fail to pay workers their earned wages, including overtime and tips.
Penalties: Employers found guilty of wage theft may face fines, back pay requirements, and potential loss of city contracts or licenses.
Chicago Human Rights Ordinance
Scope: Prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics.
Application: Applies to all employers, landlords, and businesses operating in Chicago.
Domestic Workers Ordinance
Coverage: Protects domestic workers such as nannies, house cleaners, and caregivers.
Key Provisions:
Requires written contracts outlining wages, hours, and job responsibilities.
Ensures domestic workers are paid at least Chicago’s minimum wage.
Day and Temporary Labor Services Registration Ordinance
Purpose: Regulates temporary staffing agencies to ensure fair treatment of workers.
Requirements: Agencies must register with the city and comply with standards regarding wages, safety, and transparency.
Enforcement
The Chicago Office of Labor Standards (OLS) oversees the enforcement of these ordinances. Workers can file complaints with OLS if their rights are violated. Employers found in violation may face fines, penalties, and legal action.
Conclusion
Chicago’s employment ordinances create a fair and equitable workplace for employees while providing clarity for employers. Whether you’re a worker seeking to understand your rights or an employer aiming to comply with the law, staying informed about these regulations is essential.
Speak with one of our attorneys in Chicago by contacting usat (312) 818-2407.
