Employment Discrimination Lawsuits in Chicago
Attorneys Serving Clients Throughout Chicago, IL
At The Prinz Law Firm, we focus a large part of our practice on discrimination in employment and wrongful termination claims. As you may or may not know, employers are prohibited from using any protected classes as a basis for an employment decision. An employer that terminates an employee for reporting or opposing a discriminatory act may also be liable for wrongful termination.
This is true regardless of whether the employee makes a report to Human Resources, his/her supervisor, an attorney, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Cook County Human Rights Commission, or any other state or administrative agency.
Contact our firm online or call (312) 345-6603 today to schedule your free initial consultation with our Chicago discrimination lawyers.
Working to Prevent Employment Discrimination
Employment disputes can often be complicated and difficult, requiring the assistance of a knowledgeable Chicago attorney. It can be devastating to be wrongly discharged after you have dedicated yourself completely to your profession.
Our caring attorneys understand the emotional trauma that an employment dispute can entail. We advise clients on how to minimize the financial and emotional costs and work to identify long term resolutions. There are certain protections that exist to prevent employment discrimination in special cases.
Protected classes include the following:
- Race
- Gender
- National origin
- Age
- Disability
- Pregnancy
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Military service
- Parental
Recent 2025 Updates to Discrimination Laws
In 2025, there have been significant changes in federal employment discrimination policies. Notably, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a rollback of anti-discrimination protections for transgender individuals, following a recent executive order. This includes the removal of trans-inclusive measures and a halt in processing claims related to sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination.
Additionally, the administration has ordered the termination of federal diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs, affecting many civil servants involved in these initiatives. This action has raised concerns about the future of workplace diversity and inclusion efforts.
It's important to note that while federal policies are shifting, Illinois maintains robust protections under the IHRA. State laws continue to safeguard against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics. Employers in Illinois are still required to adhere to these state laws, ensuring a commitment to workplace equality.
Filing Successful Discrimination Claims
Discrimination claims can often be especially complex because it can be difficult to discern whether an employer's decision to fire, not hire, or not promote is based on the employee's status as a protected class. An attorney should examine all aspects of an employee's employment and performance before advising a client on the merits of a claim.
If you have been fired for complaining about any of these common types of discrimination, please reach out to us to consult with a Chicago employment discrimination attorney from The Prinz Law Firm.
Learn more about discrimination claims on the blog:
- Illinois Discrimination Laws Protect Transgender Citizens
- Pregnancy Discrimination: Do You Know Your Rights?
- Here's What You Should Know about Age Discrimination
- EEOC Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuits
- Job Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
Make an appointment with a qualified discrimination attorney in Chicago at The Prinz Law Firm. Dial (312) 345-6603 or complete our online form to request a consultation with a lawyer near you.
Discrimination Law FAQs
How do federal changes in 2025 affect my rights in Illinois?
While federal policies have seen changes in 2025, Illinois state laws, particularly the IHRA, continue to provide strong protections against employment discrimination. Employers in Illinois must comply with these state laws, which may offer broader protections than federal statutes.
What should I do if I experience workplace discrimination?
If you believe you've been subjected to discrimination at work, it's important to document the incidents and consult with an experienced employment discrimination attorney. You may also file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the EEOC.
Are there protections for LGBTQ+ employees in Illinois?
Yes, the IHRA explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, offering protections for LGBTQ+ employees in the workplace.
Can I be discriminated against because of my arrest record?
No, Illinois law prohibits employment discrimination based on an individual's arrest record. Employers are not allowed to use arrest records as a basis for employment decisions.
Webinars
The Prinz Law Firm offers a variety of webinars for continuing education and training! Our offerings are geared toward employees, employers, professionals, and the general public, with topics ranging from preventing workplace sexual harassment to tips on how to prevail in difficult negotiations.