Illinois lawyers fight for clients in unwarranted dismissals Because Illinois is an “at-will” employment state, you can be fired for no reason at all. But you cannot be fired for an illegal reason such as discrimination or retaliation. When an employer releases a worker from employment in violation of that worker’s federal or state rights, wrongful termination occurs. Illegal reasons…
Preventing sexual harassment among employees is important for any employer. Have a clear sexual harassment policy in place, including a way for victims to report any problems in a safe, confidential manner. Provide anti-harassment training that educates employees about what sexual harassment is and how to recognize it. These measures can help prevent a potential court case in the future. Developing Clear…
It may be difficult for a worker to determine whether discrimination is present in the workplace. He or she may be told, “You weren’t a good fit for a job,” or “You don’t fit our culture.” Employer explanations in such cases are designed to confuse the worker, or cause him or her to believe the fault of not “fitting in” is theirs.…
A wrongful termination lawsuit may be brought when a former employee alleges that he or she was fired for an illegal reason or purpose. Wrongful termination claims can cost the defendant business money and credibility with future workers, bankers, and vendors. Taking time to learn about national and state employment laws and creating company policies that adhere to them make wrongful termination…
Non-compete agreements are an important matter that every company should take seriously. In fact, Nike recently settled a lawsuit against formers designers who ‘defected’ to Adidas to help them open up a design center in New York. Non-compete agreements are critical to protecting the company and its future profits. What are the Legal Requirements for a Non-Compete Agreement? Every non-compete agreement…
Retaliation is the act of firing, demoting, harassing, or otherwise “getting even” with a person, who complained, testified in an investigation, or appeared in court. The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissions forbids retaliation when hiring, firing, paying, assigning work, laying off, promoting, training, or giving employee benefits. Piercing the Corporate Veil Piercing the corporate veil is not only a theory. It is a practice.…
It is quite natural for you to want to expand your employment options after certain amount of experience in an industry. If you have worked for a company for a number of years, you have likely attained a great deal of knowledge that will allow you to open your own practice in the same industry. However, many unscrupulous competitors may…
When you’re fired by your employer, the first emotion might be confusion, anger or depression. However, look a little deeper and try to find out the reason behind the termination. If you are an Illinois resident and you are fired because your boss illegally obtained your credit report, your employer has actually broken the law by firing you and there…
For many employees, working more than 40 hours per week is all too common. When most employees work more than 40 hours per week, they are considered to be working overtime and are entitled to additional compensation at a rate of 1.5 times their regular rate of pay. However, some employees who have been promised extra pay for working overtime find they…
If you were denied a job because of your age, then it is important to note that you have legal protections. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are over the age of 40. Lyndon B Johnson signed this bill into law. Employers are not allowed to hire, fire or discharge someone…