EEOC Attorney in Chicago — Filing & Defending EEOC Charges
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace anti-discrimination laws. Whether you are an employee filing an EEOC charge or an employer responding to one, the process requires careful legal strategy. Our EEOC attorneys at Liberum Law guide clients through every stage of the EEOC process in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
For employees, filing an EEOC charge is often the first step toward enforcing your rights under Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, and other federal anti-discrimination statutes. Our attorneys help you draft a clear and compelling charge, gather supporting evidence, meet all filing deadlines, and navigate the investigation and conciliation process. If the EEOC issues a right-to-sue letter, we are prepared to litigate your case in federal court.
For employers, receiving an EEOC charge requires a prompt and strategic response. Our employment attorneys help businesses prepare position statements, compile relevant documentation, participate in mediation and conciliation, and defend against charges through litigation when necessary. We also advise employers on corrective actions that can resolve complaints and prevent future claims.
The EEOC investigation process involves intake and charge filing, employer notification and opportunity to respond, EEOC investigation including document requests and witness interviews, determination of reasonable cause or dismissal, conciliation attempt if cause is found, and issuance of a right-to-sue letter if conciliation fails.
Filing deadlines for EEOC charges are strict. In Illinois, you generally have 300 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a charge. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, regardless of its merits.
Contact our EEOC lawyers at Liberum Law for experienced representation in discrimination matters. We provide free consultations to help you understand your options and develop a strategy for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EEOC?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws (Title VII, ADEA, ADA, Equal Pay Act, GINA). Most federal discrimination claims must first be filed as an EEOC charge before a lawsuit can be filed in court.
How do I file an EEOC charge?
Online at eeoc.gov, by mail, or in person at an EEOC field office. The charge must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act (300 days in states with their own agency, including Illinois). You can file pro se or with an attorney — we file on behalf of clients and respond to employer position statements.
What happens after I file?
The EEOC notifies the employer, may attempt mediation, conducts an investigation (or issues a "right-to-sue" letter without investigation), may find "reasonable cause" or no cause, and may attempt conciliation. After investigation or 180 days, you can request a right-to-sue letter and file in federal court.
How long does an EEOC case take?
EEOC investigations typically take 6–12 months or longer. Many cases resolve through mediation in 1–3 months. We typically request a right-to-sue letter early when investigation delays don't serve the client's interests.
Should I file with the EEOC or IDHR?
In Illinois, you can dual-file with both. The agencies work-share so a single charge can be processed by both. IDHR has broader categories (sexual orientation, marital status). We typically advise dual-filing to preserve all options.
