Wrongful termination occurs when you’re fired for illegal reasons, despite Illinois being an at-will employment state. You cannot be terminated for discriminatory reasons based on legally protected characteristics like gender, age or race. Additionally, firing you for exercising legal rights, like filing workers’ compensation claims, reporting safety violations or taking family leave, violates the law. If your termination appears connected to protected activities or discriminatory motives, you may have grounds for legal action.
Wrongful/Unlawful Termination
Chicago Wrongful and Unlawful Termination Attorney
Wrongful or unfair termination occurs when an employee loses his or her job for an invalid reason, and our wrongful termination attorney knows what the courts consider to be an invalid reason. An employee may also be a victim of wrongful termination if an employer gives one reason for firing the employee, but the employee believes that the true reason is something different, unfair and inexcusable. Our wrongful termination lawyer knows that the law protects victims of wrongful dismissal. If you were fired for an unfair reason or because of retaliation, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline to speak with a seasoned wrongful termination lawyer today.
Our Mission At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline
Since 1999, the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline has represented employees across the metropolitan Chicago area in a wide range of employment law matters. Attorney Mitchell A. Kline brings over 30 years of legal experience to every case, having previously served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and an administrative law judge at the Illinois Human Rights Commission. His firm is built on three core values: compassion, integrity and experience. Those values shape how every client is treated, from the first consultation to the final resolution.
Who We Represent
Wrongful termination takes many forms. The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline works with employees who have faced a broad range of unlawful dismissal situations. If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, you may have a valid claim:
- Fired Due to Discrimination: You were terminated based on a legally protected characteristic such as age, gender, race, disability or sexual orientation.
- Retaliated Against for Reporting Misconduct: Your employer fired you after you reported workplace safety violations, filed a workers’ compensation claim or raised concerns about illegal activity.
- Given a False or Pretextual Reason: Your employer stated one reason for your termination, but you believe the real reason was discriminatory or retaliatory.
- Replaced Under Suspicious Circumstances: Your position was filled by someone with fewer qualifications or someone willing to accept lower pay, raising questions about the true motive behind your firing.
No matter how your situation looks on the surface, it is worth discussing with an attorney. The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline offers a free initial consultation so you can get a clear picture of your options without any financial commitment.
What To Do If You Are Wrongfully Terminated
If you lost your job and the circumstances may result in a wrongful termination claim, our employment law attorney is here to help. We walk you through the legal process from beginning to end to your complete satisfaction. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, follow these guidelines:
- Write down a timeline of the events leading up to the termination.
- Did you see any warning signs?
- Were other employees laid off?
- Did your boss mention wanting to downsize or rearrange the company or cut costs?
- As you remember it, write down exactly what reason your boss provided for terminating your employment.
- Did your boss mention a reason that was news to you?
- Did something your boss say strike you as discriminatory or degrading?
- Take note of what happened after you were wrongfully terminated.
- Was your supervisor apologetic, angry or regretful?
- Did you complain that you think the reason for termination was not fair?
- Did you make any attempts to try to keep your job?
- Was your position filled with someone with lesser qualifications or someone who would accept a lower wage?
- How much money have you lost as a result of the wrongful termination?
- Contact our reputable wrongful termination lawyer today for a FREE initial consultation to discuss the specifics of your case
Why Partner With the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline?
At our firm, clients receive committed, undivided representation against workplace injustice. There are many reasons to trust our attorney with your case:
- Proven Track Record: The firm has secured substantial settlements and verdicts for wrongfully terminated employees.
- Clear Communication: Clients stay informed at every stage, with prompt responses and transparent updates throughout the legal process.
- Valuable Experience: Mitchell A. Kline has a history of working as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and an administrative law judge at the Illinois Human Rights Commission. He uses this knowledge to help secure favorable outcomes for his clients.
Call Our Wrongful Termination Lawyer Today
If you may be the victim of wrongful termination, contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline today for a free initial consultation with our wrongful termination attorney.
FAQs About Wrongful Termination in Illinois
What constitutes wrongful termination?
What should I do immediately after being wrongfully terminated?
Take swift action to protect your legal rights and preserve crucial evidence. Document everything about your termination, including the stated reasons, timing and circumstances leading up to your firing. Gather performance reviews, emails, witness contact information, and company policies. File for unemployment benefits immediately and keep detailed records of your job search expenses. Most importantly, consult with a wrongful termination attorney promptly; evidence disappears quickly, and strict deadlines govern legal claims.
How do I prove my termination was discriminatory?
Proving discrimination requires demonstrating that your protected characteristic played a role in your termination decision. Look for patterns showing different treatment compared to similarly situated employees outside your protected class. Timing is crucial. Terminations following discrimination complaints, pregnancy announcements or disability disclosures raise red flags. Document any discriminatory comments, unequal enforcement of policies or suspicious changes in treatment.
Do I need a lawyer for my wrongful termination case?
While not legally required, having experienced legal representation dramatically improves your chances of success in wrongful termination cases. Employment law is complex, with intricate procedural requirements, strict deadlines and sophisticated legal standards. Employers typically have experienced attorneys defending them; you need equally skilled representation to level the playing field.
How can the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline help with my wrongful termination case?
At the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline, we provide the personalized attention your case deserves. We thoroughly investigate every aspect of your termination, identify all legal violations and build compelling cases that maximize your recovery. Our proven track record includes substantial settlements and verdicts that have delivered justice for wrongfully terminated employees.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Mitch was excellent to work with. He made the entire process much easier and less stressful. He was supportive, compassionate, and truly humane in the way he handled everything. At the same time, he was highly professional, knowledgeable, and clearly very experienced in employment law. I felt heard, respected, and...
I had a great experience working with Mr. Kline. He is very professional, responsive, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciated his clear communication, attention to detail, and genuine care for my case. I would highly recommend him. Thank you for your support and guidance!
Mitchell Kline and his team are amazing. They handled everything with my case very well and made this very easy for me. Would definitely recommend their services and use them in the future. Thank you! You guys are great!