News from 2024
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.
Consumer Files Class Action Against Deli Meat Producer Over Listeria Contamination
A new class action lawsuit has been filed against Boars’Head Provisions Co.Inc., alleging that their deli meats were contaminated with harmful bacteria.Learn more about why consumers are seeking damages and how this case could impact food safety standards nationwide.
Plaintiff Alleges Chocolate Giant Misleads Consumers with False Sustainability Claims
A new class action lawsuit accuses Mondeléz International of deceptive marketing practices related to its chocolate products bearing the “Cocoa Life” logo. Filed by Tim Gollogly on August 16, 2024, in the Northern District of Illinois court, the suit claims that despite promises of sustainability and ethical sourcing, Mondeléz’s supply chain involves severe labor abuses including child labor.
Summer Experiences: Andrew Kieffer, ’25, Climate Law Clerk, Climate Law Institute, Center for Biological Diversity
Andrew Kieffer, ’25, spent his summer in California doing climate law work in the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute.
Latest Jose Cruz wrongful conviction filing is “fishing expedition”
Attorneys for Chicago Police officers accused of misconduct are pushing back against attempts by lawyers representing Jose Cruz, who was exonerated while serving a 90-year sentence over the murder of Antwane Douglas, to secure a trove of depositions from other cases that the city's lawyers say would be used to file more lawsuits
Financial Advisor Sues Amtrak Over Wrongful Detention
Eric Gatlin has filed a lawsuit against Amtrak and several unknown officers after being wrongfully detained in October 2022 due to mistaken identity. The complaint alleges excessive force and violation of constitutional rights, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Homeowners' Association Accuses Public Building Commission for Chicago Over Gym Construction
The Castlewood Terrace Homeowner’s Association has taken legal action against the Public Building Commission for Chicago over alleged violations tied to constructing a gymnasium annex at an elementary school site dating back to prior legal disputes from 1963. The homeowners argue this new development breaches longstanding restrictive covenants meant to protect their subdivision's integrity.
Village Ordered to Reinstate Terminated Officer Following Arbitration Ruling
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council successfully argued for reinstating a terminated police officer in a case against the Village of Steger following an injury sustained on duty. The court affirmed an arbitration award requiring reinstatement based on interpretations of both collective bargaining agreements and statutory protections under Illinois law.
Former Correctional Officers Sue Cook County Sheriff's Office Over Unsafe Work Conditions
Two former correctional officers have lost their appeal seeking monetary damages for emotional distress after protesting unsafe working conditions at Cook County Jail during COVID-19 staffing shortages. The Illinois Appellate Court upheld an earlier ruling denying their claims.
Bridgeton Landfill Sues Insurers Over Coverage Denial Amid Contamination Claims
Bridgeton Landfill is appealing a decision made by an Illinois court which stayed its lawsuit against two insurance companies over coverage disputes related to environmental contamination claims. Filed initially in Cook County but now deferred to Missouri courts due to significant local connections there, this legal saga involves multiple lawsuits alleging contamination from Bridgeton's landfill operations.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis Announces Multiple Vacancies in Cook County
Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for four Cook County subcircuit vacancies and one Cook County At Large vacancy.
Diane Wood Writes About Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices
When President Biden announced in April 2021 that he was forming the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States, it was not clear what the commission could do as a practical matter.
Former Employee Alleges University Hospital Ignored Disability Discrimination
A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the University of Chicago Medical Center alleging severe workplace discrimination based on disability and sex under federal law. The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief including back pay and compensatory damages.
Former Employee Alleges Age and Disability Discrimination Against Security Firm
Raymond Pokorny has filed a lawsuit against Advanced Security Solutions alleging wrongful termination based on age and disability discrimination after working as a security guard from July 2022 until April 2024.
Former Store Manager Sues Yaa Connect LLC for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
Terra Redd has filed a lawsuit against Yaa Connect LLC alleging severe sexual harassment by a subordinate employee and subsequent retaliation leading to wrongful termination. The suit seeks back pay with interest along with compensatory damages among other reliefs.