Chicago Area Lawyer Handling Employer Rights Cases

The best way to avoid needing legal representation in a lawsuit is to obtain legal advice on best employment practices before a dispute with an employee develops.

Because employment law is an ever-changing field both at the federal and state levels, it is important for employers to have a reliable source of updated information and advice. Employers in the Wheaton area and throughout Illinois, particularly small-business employers, often don’t know what they don’t know and may not even realize they need help to stay in compliance with Illinois employment laws, as well as with federal laws. The Law Offices of Colleen M. McLaughlin provides experienced representation for employer issues.

There are many traps for the unwary. Employers who believe they are “too small” to need policies or an employee handbook believe such at their peril. Small businesses are not immune. Employment issues that could result in costly litigation can arise with small employers, just as they do with large organizations. That’s why it is so important for small businesses to have at least a basic understanding of the numerous employment laws that govern even “at will” employee relationships, and we strongly advise Illinois employers to allow us to assist them in avoiding workplace conflicts and disputes by reviewing their current (or creating for them) workplace policies and practices, including:

  • Wage payment practices, that conform with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (IWPCA), the Illinois minimum wage law (IMWL) and related regulations
  • Classification of employees as exempt or non-exempt for overtime purposes
  • Discrimination complaints
  • Harassment complaints
  • Retaliation
  • Company equipment and computer usage
  • Internet usage
  • Employee privacy issues
  • Workplace violence
  • Confidential information
  • Family and Medical Leave Act
  • Military leave
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Non-competes and non-solicitation agreements
  • Compliance with the Illinois Personnel Records Review Act
  • Discipline and termination
  • Code of conduct

Small-business owners and other employers appreciate the one-on-one attention they receive from our DuPage County employer defense attorneys. We know what can happen when things go wrong. In addition to ensuring employers have sound business policies in place, we also assist employers in protecting themselves by providing training, assistance in investigation of in-house complaints and counseling on handling workplace issues that arise — before a formal charge or complaint is filed.

Often, terminating employees triggers employee retaliation and a potential legal dispute. We assist employers through the termination process, including the drafting and negotiation of severance agreements, releases, non-competes, restrictive covenants and confidentiality agreements. Our experienced litigation attorneys can cost-effectively represent employers in most employment law-related disputes.

Sometimes, resolving disputes “in-house” is simply not possible. Many employment-related disputes arise when an employee files a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). This is often a harrowing experience for small employers. Conducting a proper in-house investigation, taking appropriate remedial measures to address the charge of discrimination, garnering the evidence that will assist the EEOC or IDHR investigators to make a determination in favor of the employer when possible, or setting the appropriate foundation for eventual litigation in state or federal court or before the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC) are essential to a successful outcome. Our attorneys have extensive experience with each of these government agencies and can guide employers through the investigative process.

There are many alternatives to litigation in court, and our attorneys can often avoid court and provide invaluable assistance in successfully resolving disputes otherwise headed for court through a mediation or arbitration process.

An Employment Law Firm Dedicated to the Protection of Employment Rights

If a lawsuit is the only answer, our attorneys are seasoned litigators who bring to the equation experience on both sides of a lawsuit, which can often be a distinct advantage for our clients.

Chicago and West Suburban Attorney Handling Employer Rights Cases

Small businesses in the Chicago western suburbs and nearby communities entrust their employment law concerns to the Law Offices of Colleen M. McLaughlin. Our lawyers can help your business prevent and respond to legal challenges in the workplace involving an array of employment-related issues. Contact us to schedule a consultation with an attorney.