Workplace discrimination can be subtle or overt, making it sometimes difficult to identify. Key warning signs include receiving different treatment compared to similarly situated colleagues outside your protected class, being denied promotions despite qualifications or receiving hostile comments related to your protected personal characteristics.
Discrimination
Chicago Discrimination Lawyer
If you think you may have been discriminated against or if someone is accusing you of discrimination, contact our discrimination lawyer today. While discrimination law has evolved over the decades to protect more and more types of people and prohibit more and more types of actions, discrimination itself has not gone anywhere. Discrimination is especially prominent in the workplace with regard to hiring, firing and promoting. Mitchell A. Kline is the discrimination lawyer who has been representing fellow Chicagoans in discrimination law cases for over 30 years, and he fights for you to your complete satisfaction.
Types of Discrimination Prohibited in Illinois
Workplace discrimination is more common than most people realize, and its impact goes far beyond a single bad day at work. It can derail careers, damage livelihoods and take a serious toll on a person’s mental and physical well-being.
All discrimination lawyers know that state and federal laws prohibit all types of discrimination, such as:
- Age
- Gender
- Disability
- Race
- Religion
- Political party
For example, the U.S. Constitution protects a person’s freedom of speech. Generally, this means that a person cannot be fired from a job for speaking about something with which others disagree. Exceptions to this rule exist, however, such as if a person screams obscenities, which may not be protected. Our competent lawyer, Mitchell A. Kline, understands the complexities of these laws and can guide you throughout the legal process.
If Someone Is Accusing You of Discrimination
The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline represents clients who are wrongly accused of discrimination in addition to the victims. Our discrimination attorney has a solid action strategy that has proven to be successful over the decades. When you first meet with our legal team, we have you write down a timeline of all the events in question. Doing this while events are freshest in your mind helps keep the story accurate and allows us to build the case together. We can start collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses right away to establish a strong case. Our discrimination lawyer at the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline knows that many false accusations are out there, and he does not let someone take advantage of the situation. Call our discrimination lawyer today for a free meeting.
Who Our Attorney Serves
Workplace discrimination takes many forms. We represent a wide range of clients facing unfair treatment on the job, including:
- Applicants and Employees Denied Fair Job Opportunities: A protected trait, such as race, age or religion, affected an interview, hiring decision, promotion, training opportunity or chance to advance.
- Workers Paid Less or Passed Over for Advancement: An employee’s pay, bonus, benefits, raise or leadership opportunity was impacted by a protected characteristic like sex, disability, age or national origin.
- Workers Fired, Demoted or Disciplined Unfairly: An employee was written up, suspended, laid off, fired or pressured to resign while others outside their protected group were treated more favorably in similar circumstances.
- Workers Facing Discriminatory Harassment: An employee has experienced slurs, offensive jokes, threats, exclusion or repeated mistreatment tied to a protected trait.
- Workers Denied a Workplace Accommodation: An employee or applicant requested a disability, pregnancy-related or religious adjustment that was denied, ignored, delayed or used against them.
If any of these situations sound familiar, you may have a valid legal claim, and we are here to help you pursue it.
Why Choose the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline?
Choosing the right attorney makes a real difference in how your case is handled and resolved. Here’s what sets our firm apart:
- 30+ years of employment law experience, with a deep understanding of discrimination law at both the state and federal level.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency basis for many employment cases, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to the specific facts of your case.
- Clear, responsive communication throughout the entire process.
Your discrimination lawyer is here for you
Contact the Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline today for your free initial consultation. We provide a free case evaluation and will fight to obtain justice for you.
FAQs About Discrimination in Illinois
How do I know if I'm experiencing workplace discrimination?
What should I do if I believe I'm being discriminated against?
Take immediate action to protect your rights. First, document every incident with dates, times, witnesses and specific details. Report the discrimination through your company’s internal complaint process, typically through HR or a designated compliance officer. Keep copies of all communications and follow up in writing. If internal remedies fail or if retaliation occurs, contact an experienced employment discrimination attorney.
Can my employer retaliate against me for filing a discrimination complaint?
No, retaliation is illegal under both federal and Illinois law. Your employer cannot take adverse action against you for filing a complaint, participating in an investigation or opposing unlawful practices. If you experience retaliation, document these incidents immediately and consult with an attorney.
What damages can I recover in an employment discrimination case?
Successful discrimination claims can result in various forms of compensation designed to make you whole. Economic damages include back pay, front pay and lost benefits. Non-economic damages may cover emotional distress, pain and suffering and loss of reputation.
Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
While you can file EEOC or state agency complaints without legal representation, having experienced counsel significantly improves your chances of success. Employment discrimination law is complex, with intricate procedural requirements, strict deadlines and sophisticated legal standards. An attorney can properly investigate your claim, gather critical evidence, navigate agency procedures and negotiate favorable settlements.
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!