In the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Brittany Hebeler has filed a lawsuit against Rooster Ag’ Realty, Inc. The case ID is 1:24-cv-03205 and it was filed on April 22, 2024. The suit alleges gender discrimination and retaliation under federal and state law, as well as violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.
Represented by Pedersen & Weinstein LLP, Hebeler claims that she was unlawfully fired from her position at Rooster Ag’ Realty in September 2022 after being hired in April of the same year. The complaint details that Hebeler was hired as an in-house corporate counsel with the understanding that she would start her own law firm once licensed in Illinois. Despite assurances from company owners Joe Ludwig and Stason Ludwig regarding support if she failed her bar exam, Hebeler alleges she was discriminated against based on her gender.
Hebeler's complaint includes allegations of a hostile work environment created by discriminatory actions from the company's owners and top management. She cites instances where Joe Ludwig admitted to hiring her solely because she is a woman to connect with female clients who he referred to as "sensitive."
The plaintiff seeks relief under federal and state law for the alleged unlawful discrimination and retaliation. She also seeks damages for violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act.