Employee Rights Attorney in Chicago, IL
Every employee in Illinois is protected by a comprehensive framework of federal, state, and local labor laws. When employers violate these protections, workers need an experienced employee rights attorney to hold them accountable. Liberum Law represents employees throughout Chicago and Schaumburg in matters involving workplace rights violations.
Your fundamental rights as an employee include the right to a workplace free from discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics, the right to fair compensation including minimum wage and overtime pay, the right to take medical and family leave under FMLA and Illinois leave laws, the right to a safe workplace under OSHA regulations, the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining, the right to file complaints without retaliation, the right to reasonable accommodations for disabilities, and the right to paid leave under the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
Wage theft is one of the most common employee rights violations. Employers may fail to pay overtime, require off-the-clock work, misclassify employees as independent contractors, or make illegal deductions from pay. Our workplace lawyers help employees recover unpaid wages, liquidated damages, and attorney’s fees.
Retaliation is another frequent violation. Employers cannot punish employees for exercising their legal rights, including filing discrimination complaints, reporting safety hazards, participating in investigations, or taking protected leave. If your employer has retaliated against you, our attorneys can help you seek reinstatement, back pay, and additional damages.
If you believe your workplace rights have been violated, contact our employee rights attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting workers and ensuring employers comply with the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights do employees have in Illinois?
Federal rights: minimum wage, overtime (FLSA), unpaid leave (FMLA), anti-discrimination (Title VII, ADA, ADEA), union activity (NLRA), workplace safety (OSHA). Illinois adds: paid leave for all workers (2024), broader discrimination protections, biometric privacy (BIPA), paid sick leave, and more.
Am I entitled to overtime pay?
Generally yes if you work more than 40 hours per week, unless you are properly classified as exempt (executive, administrative, professional, computer professional, or outside sales, earning at least the salary threshold). Misclassification is widespread and provides strong claims. We evaluate exempt/non-exempt status carefully.
Can I take time off for medical reasons?
FMLA: up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for serious health condition (self or family), childbirth, or military exigencies (eligible employees at 50+-employee employers). Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers (2024): up to 40 hours paid leave for any reason. Various other state leaves: jury duty, school visits, voting, victims of crime.
Can my employer monitor me at work?
Generally yes — employer-issued devices, work emails, work calls, video in non-private areas are usually fair game. But Illinois Workplace Transparency Act limits NDA scope; BIPA restricts biometric data; and the Illinois Genetic Information Privacy Act prohibits genetic info collection. We advise on the line between lawful monitoring and unlawful intrusion.
What if I'm being harassed at work?
Report internally per the handbook policy, document everything (dates, times, witnesses, communications), and contact an attorney. You may also file with the EEOC or IDHR within 300 days. Liberum Law represents employees in harassment cases including hostile work environment claims.
