News from 2024
Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination Against Staffing Agency and Manufacturer
Ricky Nelson has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against Aerotek Inc., a staffing agency, and Atkore Management Inc., a manufacturer specializing in electrical products. The suit claims violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act following Nelson's termination in January 2024.
Judge: Revlon can't yet use bankruptcy court orders to pare down hair relaxer lawsuits
A Chicago federal judge rejected Revlon's attempt to pull the plug on what Revlon said was an attempt by plaintiffs to use class action litigation to pull an "end-run around" orders from a New York bankruptcy court limiting the number of lawsuits Revlon must face claiming its hair relaxer products caused cancer
Professor Sues DePaul University Over Alleged Contract Breach Following Controversial Article
A tenured philosophy professor at DePaul University has filed a lawsuit against his employer alleging breach of contract after facing criticism for an article he wrote supporting Israel's annexation of Palestinian territories. The court dismissed most claims due to insufficient evidence while highlighting key legal principles regarding academic freedom and defamation.
Plaintiff Alleges Trucking Company Misclassified Drivers as Independent Contractors
Alex Theodore has filed a class-action lawsuit against Bravo Express Transportation Co., alleging misclassification of truck drivers as independent contractors rather than employees and numerous wage violations under state and federal laws.
Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination by Global Shipping Giant
Craig Smith has filed a lawsuit against FedEx Corporation and FedEx Express alleging racial discrimination and retaliation leading to his wrongful termination after nearly four decades with the company. The suit details numerous instances of alleged misconduct by his supervisor Sandra Braxton and seeks various forms of relief including compensation for lost wages and punitive damages.
Employee Sues Golf Management Company Over Data Breach
A significant data breach at a leading golf sports management company has led to a class action lawsuit filed by an employee who claims his sensitive personal information was compromised due to inadequate cybersecurity measures. The suit seeks compensatory damages and injunctive relief among other remedies.
Plaintiff accuses Illinois Bone & Joint Institute of Negligence in Data Breach
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Illinois Bone & Joint Institute alleging negligence in protecting sensitive patient data. Filed by Brian Holovaty on behalf of nearly 183,000 affected individuals, the suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages while demanding improved data security measures from IBJI.
Former Employee Alleges Discrimination Against School District Under ADA
Stella Weisfus has filed a lawsuit against Elwood Community Consolidated School District alleging severe discrimination and retaliation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint highlights multiple instances where reasonable accommodations were denied or delayed due to her chronic health condition.
Plaintiff accuses staffing agency and manufacturing company of racial discrimination
Ricky Nelson has filed a lawsuit against Aerotek Inc. and Atkore Management Inc., alleging racial discrimination during his employment as a forklift driver at Atkore's distribution center in Harvey, Illinois. The suit seeks compensation for lost wages, emotional distress damages among other reliefs.
Plaintiff Alleges Age Discrimination Against Transportation Company
Bensimon Chourafi has filed an age discrimination lawsuit against EMR Express Inc., claiming they refused to hire him due to his age despite his qualifications. The suit seeks back pay, compensatory damages, and other reliefs.
Man Alleges Village Police Violated Civil Rights in Unlawful Home Entry
Denzel Edwards has filed a lawsuit against the Village of Maywood and Sergeant Babicz alleging unlawful entry into his home and false arrest. The case involves accusations of civil rights violations stemming from an incident on September 17, 2022.
Former Employee Alleges Discrimination Against Healthcare Linen Services Group
Larry Miller Jr., a former employee at Healthcare Linen Services Group along with its associated companies York Capital Management Global Advisors LLC and Superior Health Linens LLC has filed a lawsuit alleging severe discrimination based on disability and race along with wrongful termination following his cancer diagnosis.
Pilot Sues Union Over Alleged Religious Discrimination Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
Joseph John Oka has filed a lawsuit against the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), accusing it of discrimination and retaliation over his refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine due to religious beliefs. The suit claims ALPA collaborated with United Airlines to penalize unvaccinated pilots despite earlier assurances that their rights would be protected.
“Don’t ‘Think Like a Lawyer’ (Too Much)”
I would like to begin tonight by taking a good, long look at all of you, our JD Class of 2027, Transfer Class of 2026, and LLM Class of 2025: so fresh-faced, well-rested, so innocent, so unsullied by what will be our collective efforts to transform you into ruthless legal minds from the University of Chicago.
Illinois First District Appellate Court Holds Insurer Not Liable for BIPA Claim Under a Cyber Liability Policy
On September 10, 2024, the Illinois First District Appellate Court provided the insurance industry with another victorious decision – this time, in the cyber liability insurance context.
Niles voters can't decide if village ethics board members should be elected: Appeals panel
Members of ethics board aren't 'officers' along lines of trustees or mayor
$60M deal makes insurer new target in Jason Cloth movie financing Ponzi scheme suit
The settlement ends the claims against financial advisor Schmidt Advisory Services, who allegedly acted as the Chicago area middleman used by Canadian movie financier to allegedly raise $100M+ to finance an alleged Ponzi scheme from investors who were promised big returns from film projects
Lickhalter Honored Among 40 Under Forty 2024 Illinois Attorneys to Watch
Lara Lickhalter (Partner-Chicago) was recently selected by the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer as a 40 Under Forty 2024 Illinois Attorneys to Watch honoree.
Lawsuit accuses Cook divorce judge of unconstitutionally blocking adult son from family's online court hearing
The adult son of a River Forest real estate developer is suing Cook County Judge Abbey Romanek for allegedly violating his rights by refusing to allow him to observe online divorce court hearing involving his parents. The proceedings have resulted in his father being ordered to jail three times in eight years over money disputes
Healthcare Delivery & Innovation Conference on September 26-27, 2024
Healthcare attorney Shannon Hartsfield is serving on the planning committee for the Healthcare, Delivery & Innovation Conference hosted by the American Bar Association's Health Law Section and Chicago Medical Society.