Employees • Employers • Workplace Rights
Employment-law questions often begin with a simple concern—“Was this legal?”—but the answer usually depends on the reason for the employer’s action, the documents, timing and which Illinois or federal law applies.
What Is Wrongful Termination in Illinois?
Illinois generally follows at-will employment, meaning an employer or employee can usually end the relationship without a fixed term. But at-will employment does not permit termination for an unlawful reason.
A termination can raise legal issues when it violates anti-discrimination law, retaliation protections, a contract, recognized public policy or another statute.
What Employment Discrimination Is Prohibited?
The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits covered employers from making specified employment decisions based on unlawful discrimination and also addresses harassment, citizenship status, work authorization status and family responsibilities.
Whether conduct is legally actionable depends on the protected basis, employer coverage, facts and adverse employment action involved.
What Is Retaliation?
Illinois law prohibits certain retaliation against a person for protected conduct, including opposing or reporting conduct reasonably and in good faith believed to violate the Human Rights Act, participating in a charge or investigation, or requesting certain accommodations.
Attorney Wendi can review the timeline, employer communications and documents to determine which legal protections may apply before important filing deadlines run.
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Are There Filing Deadlines for Employment Claims?
Employment discrimination and other workplace claims can be subject to strict administrative and court filing deadlines. The applicable deadline depends on the claim, forum, facts and current law.
Can an Employee Recover Unpaid Wages?
The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act addresses payment of wages, final compensation and wage supplements. Illinois law also provides remedies for qualifying underpayments.
What Issues Can Matter in a Severance Agreement?
Severance agreements can vary significantly. Important provisions can include release of claims, confidentiality, non-disparagement, restrictive covenants, payment timing, benefits, return-of-property terms and any review or revocation period that applies.
Illinois Employment Law in Belvidere and Northern Illinois
The Law Offices of Wendi J. Wade assists clients with employment-law questions from its Belvidere office.
Learn more about the firm’s Employment Law services.