A high-ranking official in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has been accused of racial and age discrimination, leading to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for employment practices within the office. On August 20, 2024, Nancy Adduci filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Kimberly Foxx, both individually and in her official capacity as Cook County State’s Attorney, and Cook County itself.
Nancy Adduci, who has served as an Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney since 1996, alleges that she was unjustly demoted and eventually terminated due to her race and age. According to the complaint, Adduci's career began in the Criminal Appeal Division before she moved through various other divisions over nearly three decades. Her most recent role was as Director of the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), where she investigated claims of actual innocence. In October 2023, Adduci was informed by senior officials that Foxx wanted someone "more representative of the community" to lead the CIU—a statement Adduci interpreted as discriminatory given her long-standing ties to Cook County.
Adduci asserts that despite being removed from her director position under dubious pretenses, she was asked to continue performing many of her previous duties without the corresponding title or pay. This situation escalated when a younger Black assistant state's attorney with no practical criminal experience was appointed as CIU Director. Adduci claims this individual had a "blatantly obvious conflict of interest," further exacerbating her concerns about fairness and transparency within the office.
The complaint details how Adduci's attempts to address these issues through Human Resources were met with resistance. She recounts being summoned during approved vacation time and subsequently terminated without cause on December 29, 2023—just twenty-two months short of retirement eligibility. At age 53, this abrupt termination has left her facing significant financial and professional setbacks.
Adduci is seeking several forms of relief from the court: judgment against Foxx and Cook County; compensation for lost wages and benefits; damages for emotional distress and reputational harm; attorney fees; pre- and post-judgment interest; injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory practices; and any additional relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Adduci is attorney Robert Robertson from One North LaSalle in Chicago. The case has been assigned Case No: 24cv7512.