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Employment Law Attorney in Chicago

Employment Law Attorney in Chicago

Working is not always fun, but we have to do it to pay the bills. While employers have various legal rights, employees have them, as well. For example, you have the right to work in a safe environment free of discrimination and harassment. You also have the right to get paid at least minimum wage. 

Labor laws are in place to keep you safe while you advance in your career. Illinois and federal employment laws affect your life every day, whether you realize it or not. It is important to understand that your employer can also exercise certain rights, such as firing you for any reason without notice. 

Some things that happen in the workplace are simply unfair, while others are downright illegal. An employment law attorney in Chicago can help you understand the difference. 

Types of Employment Law Cases

There are certain things that can happen at work that are illegal, including the following:

  • Discrimination. Discrimination can happen in many forms. An employee may be demoted, given a decrease in pay, taken off major projects, or punished in other ways for reasons such as age, gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Those who have faced discrimination should document the instances and report them to human resources.
  • Harassment. Harassment differs from discrimination in that harassment involves specific inappropriate behavior that is unwanted and uncomfortable. While harassment is often sexual in nature, it does not have to be. It can involve teasing someone because of their age, disability, gender, race, or other protected class. However, the teasing must be so severe that it causes a hostile work environment. If you are facing harassment in the workplace, be sure to let your manager know.
  • Wrongful termination. An unexpected layoff can seem unfair, but it is not necessarily illegal. While Illinois is an at-will state, and a person can be fired for virtually any reason, there are exceptions. Wrongful termination occurs when a person is fired for discriminatory reasons, such as an act of retaliation for exercising a legal right, such as filing a workers’ compensation claim or taking FMLA leave. Termination can also be illegal if it is based on lies, such as an employee being blamed for something they did not do. 
  • Wage issues. Many employees are paid less than they expect. While sometimes this is done on purpose, there are cases in which the wage issue is accidental. For example, there may have been accounting or time clock issues. If you notice an error with your paycheck, let your manager know right away. If they dispute the issue, seek legal help. 

Contact Us Today

The workplace can be stressful. On top of the usual daily challenges, you may be dealing with harassment, discrimination, pay issues, and other illegal activities. 

The Law Office of Mitchell A. Kline is an employment law attorney in Chicago who can help you deal with legal matters in the workplace. We understand state and federal laws. Schedule a consultation by calling (312) 558-1454 or filling out the online form.