Employment Discrimination Attorney in Chicago
Workplace discrimination remains one of the most pervasive employment law violations in the United States. At Liberum Law, our employment discrimination attorneys represent employees in Chicago and Schaumburg who have experienced unfair treatment based on protected characteristics including race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and sexual orientation.
Federal laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibit employers from making employment decisions based on protected characteristics. Illinois law provides additional protections through the Illinois Human Rights Act, which covers smaller employers and adds protected categories.
Discrimination can take many forms in the workplace. Direct discrimination involves explicit adverse actions such as refusal to hire, demotion, or termination based on a protected characteristic. Disparate impact discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral policy disproportionately affects a protected group without business justification. Hostile work environment claims arise when discriminatory harassment is severe or pervasive enough to create an abusive working atmosphere.
Our discrimination lawyers handle each case with a thorough investigation. We review employment records, analyze patterns of decision-making, interview witnesses, and retain expert consultants when needed. We represent clients before the EEOC, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and in state and federal court proceedings.
If you have experienced discrimination at work, do not wait to take action. Filing deadlines are strict — EEOC charges generally must be submitted within 300 days, and Illinois Department of Human Rights charges within 300 days of the discriminatory act. Contact our discrimination attorneys at Liberum Law today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as workplace discrimination?
Discrimination is adverse employment action based on a protected characteristic — race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), religion, age (40+), disability, or genetic information under federal law. Illinois adds protections for sexual orientation, marital status, military status, and more. Adverse actions include firing, demotion, pay cuts, hostile work environment, denial of promotion, or refusal to hire.
What's the deadline to file a discrimination claim?
Federal claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA) must typically be filed with the EEOC within 180 days of the discriminatory act — or 300 days if the state has its own anti-discrimination agency (Illinois does, so the 300-day rule applies). Illinois state claims have a 300-day window with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Missing the deadline usually bars the claim.
Do I have to file with the EEOC first?
For most federal discrimination claims, yes — you must file a charge with the EEOC (or equivalent state agency) and receive a "right-to-sue" letter before filing in court. This is called "exhausting administrative remedies." Liberum Law handles the EEOC charge filing and subsequent litigation.
What damages can I recover?
Possible recoveries include back pay, front pay, lost benefits, emotional distress damages, punitive damages (in egregious cases), and attorney's fees. Compensatory and punitive damages under Title VII are capped based on employer size ($50,000–$300,000). Retaliation and certain ADEA claims have different caps. We assess realistic recovery during the consultation.
Can I be fired for filing a discrimination complaint?
No — retaliation for filing or supporting a discrimination claim is itself illegal and often a stronger case than the original discrimination. If you're terminated, demoted, or harassed after complaining, document everything and contact us immediately. Retaliation claims can succeed even if the underlying discrimination claim fails.
