Labor & Employment

Chicago Employment Attorneys Who Fight For Your Rights

Employers have a certain amount of control over their employees and this power can, unfortunately, be abused. To protect the rights of employees, federal and state laws set out requirements and restrictions for employees regarding many aspects of employment. When these laws are violated, employees can suffer harm and the law gives employees the right to seek legal and financial relief.

On the other hand, some employees bring claims against employers that have done nothing wrong. Without a strong defense against such claims, employers can face significant unnecessary liability.

The legal team at Lopez & Sanchez represents employees and employers in and around the Chicago area. If you would like to discuss a possible case, contact our office today. We handle cases involving the following labor and employment issues, among others.

Wage & Hour Violations

Labor laws address many requirements for employers and when these laws are violated, employees are often deprived of the wages they deserve for the hours they worked. If an employee believes that they have not been properly paid, they can raise a wage and hour dispute. These disputes often involve the following issues and more:

• Minimum hourly wages;
• Overtime rates;
• Proper calculations of hours worked;
• Rest and meal breaks;
• Independent contractor status;
• Family and medical leave.

Whether you are seeking unpaid wages or facing a claim by an employee, our attorneys are here to help.

Whistleblower Rights

Employees in the course of their daily work sometimes uncover evidence of fraud involving federal, state or local government contracts for goods and services, grants or other government programs. Knowing how to protect yourself as an employee in these situations and possibly earning a payment as a result of disclosure to and cooperation with the appropriate authorities should be top of mind for whistleblowing employees.

Our experience prosecuting and defending whistleblower cases makes us good guides for workers who find themselves in these difficult and stressful situations.

Unlawful Discrimination

Federal and Illinois state laws also prohibit employers from discriminating against applicants or employees based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, and other specified factors. The following acts are prohibited under anti-discrimination laws:

• Discrimination – Refusing to hire, refusing to promote or increase pay, demoting, firing, or any other adverse employment actions based on protected factors.
• Harassment – Offensive behavior regarding protected factors that either creates a hostile work environment or puts a job on the line.
• Retaliation – Taking adverse employment action against someone for complaining of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

Wrongful Termination

While employment in Illinois is commonly “at will,” employment relationships can be ended at any time for any reason, it is illegal for employers to fire employees for certain reasons. Bases for firing an employee that may constitute wrongful termination include:

• Discriminatory reasons;
• Retaliation for reporting unlawful behavior;
• Retaliation for filing a valid workers’ compensation claim;
• Retaliation for taking qualified family and medical leave;
• Exercising lawful rights;
• Refusing to engage in unlawful activity;
• Whistleblowing;
• Reasons that go against public policy.

Wrongful termination cases are complicated, so you always want an experienced law firm handling your case.

Contact Our Chicago Labor & Employment Attorneys For a Consultation

At the law firm of Lopez & Sanchez, we are dedicated to standing up for the rights of employees and employers in any type of labor or employment dispute. We provide personalized representation and always put the needs and interests of our clients first. Our employment attorneys have experience handling cases involving both Illinois and federal employment and wage laws and explore every option to resolve your case. If you have concerns about labor or employment issues, please contact our Chicago office today for a consultation.