Protecting Employees from Workplace Discrimination
Both Illinois and federal law prohibit employers from discriminating against employees and job applicants based on protected characteristics. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) provides some of the broadest protections in the nation, applying to employers with one or more employees in cases involving sexual harassment or disability discrimination, and to employers with 15 or more employees for other forms of discrimination.
At Griffin Williams McMahon & Walsh LLP, we represent both employers and employees in discrimination matters, providing guidance on compliance, risk management, and litigation when necessary.
Protected Categories Under Illinois and Federal Law
Employees are protected from discrimination based on a wide range of characteristics, including:
- Race and color
- Religion
- National origin and ancestry
- Sex and gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age (40 and older)
- Disability (physical and mental)
- Pregnancy
- Marital status
- Military status
- Order of protection status
- Citizenship status
- Genetic information
Types of Discrimination Claims
Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, and our attorneys are experienced in handling claims involving:
- Wrongful termination based on a protected characteristic
- Failure to hire or promote due to discriminatory reasons
- Harassment and hostile work environment
- Unequal pay and benefits
- Failure to provide reasonable accommodations for disability or religious beliefs
- Retaliation against employees who report discrimination
Key Federal and State Laws
Our firm helps clients navigate the complex framework of anti-discrimination laws, including:
- The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- The Equal Pay Act
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
How We Can Help
Whether you are an employer seeking to ensure compliance and manage risk, or an employee who believes your rights have been violated, Griffin Williams McMahon & Walsh LLP can assist you with:
- Counseling on anti-discrimination policies and compliance
- Investigation of discrimination and harassment complaints
- Representation in proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)
- Litigation of discrimination claims in state and federal court
- Developing and reviewing employee handbooks and workplace policies
- Training on preventing discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Employees in Illinois generally have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC or IDHR. Acting quickly is critical to preserving your rights. For more information regarding our expertise in employment discrimination matters, please contact us.