News from 2024
National Guard Member Alleges Discrimination by City Employer Over Military Leave
Donmarcus Woods has filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago claiming discrimination related to his military service obligations under USERRA and ISERRA laws. The case highlights alleged discrepancies in pay raises and seniority recognition due to military leaves taken by Woods during his tenure with the city's Department of Streets and Sanitation.
Jewish Student Sues Northwestern University Over Alleged Antisemitism on Campus
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Northwestern University by a Jewish student alleging pervasive antisemitism on campus following an attack in Israel by Hamas. The plaintiff seeks damages and institutional changes to address these issues.
Attorney General Raoul Calls for Doj Investigation Into Murder of Garrett Foster Following Texas Pardon
Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 14 attorneys general, urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to open a civil rights investigation into the July 2020 murder of Garrett Foster, who was shot and killed by Daniel Perry in Austin, Texas when protesting racial injustice.
Locke Lord Partner Matt Furton Named Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America
Chicago Locke Lord Partner Matt Furton has been selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA).
Seatbelts for Business: Best Practices to Protect Your Business When Things Don’t Go as Planned on June 4, 2024
Jeremy Glenn, Christopher Hennessy, and Brian Shaw will present “Seatbelts for Business: Best Practices to Protect Your Business When Things Don’t Go as Planned” with Neema Varghese, Managing Director at NV Consulting Services, for the Chicago Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel.
Quinn Emanuel Ranked by The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA)
The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 EMEA has once again ranked 17 attorneys across 9 practice areas in 6 jurisdictions.
Ashlee Johnson Alleges Biometric Privacy Violations Against Synel Americas
Ashlee Johnson has filed a class action lawsuit against Synel Americas alleging violations of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The suit claims that Synel unlawfully collected and stored employee biometric data without proper consent or disclosure.
Plaintiff Alleges Retaliation Against Old Dominion Freight Line Inc
John Kararo has filed a detailed complaint accusing Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., its VP of Human Resources Dee Dee Cox, and unnamed managers of retaliation following his involvement in protected activities such as filing a class action lawsuit under BIPA and workers' compensation claims. The suit seeks damages including lost wages and reputational harm among other reliefs.
Antonio Morris Sues Walmart’s App-Based Delivery Platform Over Alleged Biometric Data Violations
Antonio Morris has filed a class action lawsuit against Walmart’s delivery platform Spark alleging improper collection and storage of biometric data without consent. The case highlights potential privacy risks faced by drivers due to unauthorized use of facial geometry scans.
Plaintiff Alleges S.C. Johnson & Son Misled Consumers About Safety of Disinfectant Products
Patrick McGrath has filed a class action lawsuit against S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., claiming that their disinfectant products were falsely marketed as safe for homes with children and pets despite containing harmful chemicals. The case seeks various forms of relief including restitution and injunctive measures against further deceptive advertising practices.
More GOP candidates join court case vs IL Dems over 'candidate slating' ballot blocking law
Democrats told a Springfield judge she needs to can the case, saying the changes to the election rules in the middle of the 2024 election cycle don't violate anyone's rights, and judges have no place deciding if state lawmakers abided by the constitution in deciding how candidates can get on the ballot
'Unconstitutional dragnet:' Class action seeks to shut down IL cops' automated license plate readers
The federal lawsuit asserts the system, established in Cook County and then expanded to the rest of the state to trace criminals and fight crime, unconstitutionally tracks the movements of drivers throughout the state, whether suspected criminals or not
Plaintiff alleges police officer used excessive force resulting in death
Michael Anthony Godinez has filed a lawsuit against police officer Travon Done and Sauk Village alleging excessive use of force leading to his son's death during an altercation at a party on May 27, 2023.
Plaintiff alleges employment discrimination against former employer GRID Alternatives
Tricia Partlow has filed a lawsuit against GRID Alternatives alleging sex-based discrimination and retaliation under Title VII and IHRA statutes following unwelcome advances from her supervisor Irasema Garcia which led to a hostile work environment and wrongful termination.
IL Supreme Court rewrites attorney 'discrimination' rule; Critics predict court challenges forthcoming
Supporters say the rule change will create a stronger 'deterrent' to discriminatory and harassing behavior by lawyers in the state. Opponents say the new rule imposes an unconstitutional 'speech code' on Illinois lawyers, and likely will be challenged in court
Judge clears City Hall in cops' religious discrimination suit over Covid shot mandate
Federal judge notes city granted exemptions to shot, only insisted on reporting of test and vaccination status
Baker McKenzie wins Client Management Innovation Award at Law.com Legal Innovation & Technology Awards
Leading global law firm, Baker McKenzie is pleased to announce that it has won the Client Management Innovation Award at the 2024 Law.com Legal Innovation & Technology Awards.
Woman sues Creative Dining Services for unpaid overtime wages and disability discrimination
Woman sues Creative Dining Services alleging unpaid overtime wages and wrongful termination due to disability discrimination.
Man sues Bolt Electrical LLC for unpaid wages under federal and state laws
Andrew Stout sues Bolt Electrical LLC alleging non-payment of $1,863 in earned wages under FLSA and state laws.
Plaintiffs allege Mentholatum company's acne products contain carcinogenic Benzene
Wioletta Smoter and Joanna Taraszka have filed a class action lawsuit against The Mentholatum Company alleging its OXY® acne treatment products contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Filed in Illinois federal court on May 20th, they seek damages for misleading safety claims regarding these skincare items.