News from August 2024
Bears to settle lawsuit accusing them of anti-white male hiring discrimination
A federal judge announced the settlement between the Chicago Bears and a white male DePaul University law student who said the Bears intentionally discriminated against him and other white males in advertising and hiring for a "diversity" legal position with the team
GOP House candidates rail against defunding of Invest in Kids with DNC as backdrop
CHICAGO - Republican candidates for the General Assembly stood for school choice at an outdoor exercise in free speech near the Democratic national convention.
Federal appeals court limits reach of collective actions vs employers
A federal appeals panel said a mass action lawsuit filed in Wisconsin federal court over H-2A visa laborers based in Wisconsin should be limited only to laborers who worked in Wisconsin.
Plaintiff Alleges Race-Based Discrimination Against Salon Employer
Shirelle Schmitz has filed a lawsuit against Lucette Inc., alleging race-based discrimination and retaliation during her brief employment at their salon in Rockford, Illinois. The case outlines incidents involving discriminatory comments about protective hairstyles suitable for African American hair leading up to her termination.
Plaintiff accuses tech company WinWinx of violating Biometric Information Privacy Act
A new class action lawsuit filed by Moneek Turner against WinWinx highlights alleged violations of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The suit claims that WinWinx unlawfully collected and stored users' biometric data without proper consent or disclosure.
Plaintiffs Allege Misleading Advertising by Egg Producer Over Cage-Free Claims
Eggland's Best is facing a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising regarding its Cage Free eggs' living conditions for hens. Plaintiffs claim they were misled into paying premiums based on deceptive packaging statements suggesting humane treatment of animals.
Britt Miller Recognized Among Benchmark Litigation’s “top 250 Women in Litigation”
Mayer Brown partner Britt Miller has been named to Benchmark Litigation’s 2024 list of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation.”
Summer Experiences: Daniella Apodaca, ’25, Summer Associate, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Daniella Apodaca, ’25, spent her summer in New York City working for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a global law firm. During her summer experience, she got to use her multilingual skills and work in an environment that has an international scope—something that she plans to continue doing when she graduates.
Caterpillar can't dump lawsuit accusing them of wrongly asking about job applicants' family health info
Federal judge rules workers' claims can proceed under Illinois' genetic information privacy law
IL law doesn't protect car dealers from competition if car makers want to sell direct to buyers: IL appeals court
A state appeals panel has rejected the attempt by Illinois car dealerships to sue the state for granting licenses to electric car makers Rivian and Lucid to sell their vehicles to consumers without going through third-party franchise dealers
Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination Against Energy Provider
Larry Morris Jr., a former employee at Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation after reporting misconduct through internal channels. The case highlights claims of harassment by superiors leading up to his resignation on June 30th.
Former Employee Alleges Disability Discrimination Against Career Education Corporation
Dawn Newell has filed a lawsuit against Perdoceo Education Corporation alleging discrimination based on disability after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The complaint includes accusations of wrongful termination and failure to accommodate under ADA laws.
Former Employee Alleges Gender Identity Harassment Against Automotive Company
Jennifer "Jay" Krauss has filed a lawsuit against TG Wheeling LLC d/b/a Tasca Automotive alleging severe gender identity harassment leading up to wrongful termination. The suit details multiple instances of discrimination and seeks various forms of relief including back pay and compensatory damages.
Physician Alleges Race Discrimination Against Major Healthcare Provider
Dr.JudithCothransasuedAdvocateHealthcareforallegedracdiscriminationandretaliationdetailingaseriesofincidentsinvolvingunjustifieddisciplinaryactionsandharassment.ThelawsuitalsonamesDr.RichardF.MultackandNurseKlarissaBrunsonasdefendants.Dr.Cothrani seekingreinstatementandcompensatorydamagesamongotherrelief.
Former Employee Alleges Fast-Food Chain Discriminated Based on Sexual Orientation
A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Omakin Restaurants LLC d/b/a McDonald’s alleging sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation after disclosing his status as a gay male upon hiring.
Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.) receives 2024 American Lawyer Lifetime Achievement Award and American Bar Association Presidential Citation
Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.), of counsel in the Firm's Issues and Appeals Practice in the Chicago Office, has been honored by The American Lawyer with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Democrats can't persuade Cook County elections board to ignore Springfield judge, kick Republican from ballot
Republican candidate Ron Andermann can advance to face Democrat Nicolle Grasse in the race for 53rd House District seat. Democrats had argued the Cook County Electoral Board could ignore a Springfield judge's ruling that a new state ballot access law could not be constitutionally enforced in 2024
Former Employee Alleges Sex-Based Discrimination Against Chicago Pizzeria
Kathya Quintana has filed a lawsuit against Luigi’s Paisans Pizza Clark Inc., alleging sex-based discrimination following her termination after engaging in a consensual romantic relationship with her General Manager. The suit seeks various forms of compensation including back pay and emotional damages.
Pregnant Worker Sues Staffing Company And Employer For Discrimination And Retaliation
Frida Saldivar has filed a lawsuit against Bluecrew LLC and WestRock Converting LLC alleging wrongful termination due to pregnancy-based discrimination and failure to provide reasonable accommodations as required by law. The case highlights serious allegations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2023.
Former Employee Alleges Andy Frain Services of Sex-Based Discrimination
Magdalena Rodriguez has filed a lawsuit against Andy Frain Services alleging sex-based discrimination and harassment by her direct supervisor Cary Kolbe. The complaint includes detailed accusations of inappropriate behavior and claims of retaliation following reports made to Human Resources.