Best Employment Lawyers in Chicago
Bryant Chavez
Employment Lawyer
Bryant Chavez is the managing attorney of Clean Record Illlinois. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Wisconsin. His previous experience includes interning for Justice Patrick Crooks of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and working for boutique criminal defense firms in Chicago and Madison, Wisconsin.
Attorney Chavez has a deep-rooted passion for criminal defense and helping individuals move on from their criminal pasts. Far too often he has witnessed the aggressive criminal-justice system send potentially productive people into downward spirals. He began his practice in order to fight against these harmful results. He believes in loyalty and persistence, and will use these traits to do whatever is possible to help his clients move on with their lives.
Although raised a Chicagoan, Attorney Chavez has lived at different points in his life in California, North Carolina and Wisconsin. However, he has always found his way back to sweet, home Chicago.
David Porter
Employment Lawyer
David Porter, Esq. is an experienced, dedicated, and effective advocate for Chicago’s workforce.
Mr. Porter received his B.A. degree from the University of Michigan in 1982 and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University in New York in 1985.
After law school Mr. Porter practiced law in New York for 10 years. Then he and his family moved to Illinois (to be closer to their family members), where he has been in private practice since 1995 (all at his current location).
For the last 30 years Mr. Porter has devoted himself to the practice of employment law primarily on behalf of employees. Mr. Porter has represented hundreds of clients against New York and Illinois employers, both large and small, in negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation of claims including retaliation (for protected complaints), discrimination (on the basis of age, race, pregnancy, sex, disability and national origin), FMLA, breach of contract, non-compete agreements, overtime/ wage and hour claims, and unemployment hearings. Mr. Porter has extensive experience in federal court, and EEOC/ IDHR proceedings, as well as in providing general employment advice, strategic counseling, preparing and reviewing employment contracts and non-compete agreements, and negotiating severance packages.
Mr. Porter is a proud member of the National Employment Lawyers Association and its Illinois affiliate (NELA). He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association (“CBA”), and is on the CBA’s referral panels for Employment Law and for Unemployment Hearings and Appeals.
Mr. Porter is a strongly-motivated advocate representing employees, and he provides good, practical, cost-effective advice and representation.
Michael J. Merrick
Employment Lawyer
Michael J. Merrick is the founding member of Merrick Law Firm LLC and has 30 years of employment law experience. His clients and peers, other lawyers and judges, rate him as “AV/Preeminent,” Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards. Mr. Merrick has also been honored as a Super Lawyer from 2012 through 2023 for being chosen as one of the top 5% of practicing employment lawyers in Illinois.
After graduating with honors from law school, Mr. Merrick served a two-year term as a federal judicial law clerk during which he experienced first hand how federal judges and juries decide employment cases. He then spent eight years first as an associate attorney and later as a partner with a Chicago law firm where he practiced labor and employment law representing both employers and employees, commercial litigation, and intellectual property law.
In 2003 Mr. Merrick became Of Counsel to a Chicago employment law boutique firm to focus his practice on exclusively representing employees in employment law matters. In 2005 he founded his own law firm, Merrick Law Firm LLC, to do one thing and to do it very well—aggressively and efficiently represent employees to enforce their workplace rights to the fullest extent of the law. Mr. Merrick has represented his many clients before federal, state and local administrative agencies, the United States Supreme Court, and at every federal and state trial and appellate court level in between.
Garrett W. Browne
Employment Lawyer
Garrett has represented hundreds of clients who have had their civil rights violated by federal, state, county, and local law enforcement. He has vigorously pursued a large variety of police misconduct claims that include wrongful detention, warrantless searches, false arrest, excessive force, malicious prosecution, and wrongful death. Garrett was trial counsel for a 10-year-old boy who suffered multiple fractures as a result of misconduct by a police officer, and obtained a jury verdict of $600,000. Additionally, Garrett recently helped obtain a settlement of $370,000 on behalf of a young man that was coerced to confess to a murder he did not commit.
Aaron B. Maduff
Employment Lawyer
Prior to entering law school at the University of Iowa, Aaron B. Maduff had a background in rape victim advocacy. This naturally led into a legal career in sexual harassment, employment discrimination, and other civil rights law and employment law. Aaron’s practice is not limited to employment law, however. He is an active appellate attorney handling Constitutional, Criminal, and Military, as well as employment. His employment practice currently includes not only sexual harassment and employment discrimination cases, but runs the full panoply of employment and civil rights claims from Overtime and Unpaid Wages to Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) claims; from non-compete and trade secret claims, to negotiating all manner of employment agreements including executive compensation agreements and even ex- patriot agreements.
Aaron holds the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating: AV (Very High to Preeminent, “AV Peer Review Rating – shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity.”) See Martindale-Hubbell Ratings.
Aaron was first identified as a Super Lawyer by Chicago Magazine in 2007. Aaron has also been listed with the National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 since 2013. As of January 1, 2008 he was Board Certified as a Specialist in Labor and Employment Law by the State of Ohio. (Since only Ohio, Texas, and Florida recognize specialties, Aaron may be the only attorney in Illinois with such a certification.)
Kristen E. Prinz
Employment Lawyer
Kristen Prinz is an employment lawyer, business counselor, and founder of The Prinz Law Firm. She focuses on providing clients with strategic and cost-effective legal and business planning solutions to assist business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals in building and realizing their potential.
Ms. Prinz empowers business owners to launch, grow, and thrive in their businesses by developing policies that advance their business needs, creating agreements that protect their client and employee relationships, and advising businesses on utilizing employment practices that foster a positive workplace culture. Her pragmatic approach helps clients limit risk in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, assessing, and separating employees.
Ms. Prinz is also a strong advocate for employees, including a variety of executives and physicians. She helps negotiate employment contracts and severance packages for professionals, and has litigated complex claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as contract disputes, wage claims, and whistleblower claims.
In the bustling city of Chicago, where the workforce thrives across various industries, employment issues can be complex and challenging. When workers face discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, or other workplace conflicts, the assistance of the best employment lawyers becomes invaluable. This article delves into the qualities that define the top employment lawyers in Chicago and how they can help individuals and employees assert their rights in the workplace.
The Role of Employment Lawyers:
Before we explore what makes a top-notch employment lawyer in Chicago, it’s essential to understand the pivotal role they play in the legal landscape:
Legal Guidance: Employment lawyers provide expert legal advice to employees facing various workplace issues, helping them understand their rights and potential courses of action.
Advocacy: These lawyers serve as strong advocates for employees, representing their interests in negotiations, mediations, or legal proceedings.
Conflict Resolution: They assist in resolving disputes, whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Protection from Retaliation: Employment lawyers protect employees from retaliation by employers when they exercise their rights, such as reporting workplace violations or filing complaints.
Legal Compliance: They help ensure employers adhere to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Qualities of the Best Employment Lawyers in Chicago:
What sets the best employment lawyers in Chicago apart from the rest? Let’s explore the key qualities that define these legal professionals:
Expertise in Employment Law:
- The best employment lawyers have deep expertise in employment law, which encompasses a wide range of issues, from discrimination and harassment to wage and hour disputes.
Experience Matters:
- Years of experience handling employment cases is a vital indicator of a lawyer’s proficiency. These lawyers have a proven track record of successfully representing employees in various workplace disputes.
Local Knowledge:
- Familiarity with the Chicago job market, employers, and local courts can be an advantage. The best employment lawyers in Chicago have in-depth knowledge of the city’s unique employment landscape.
Strong Communication Skills:
- Effective communication is key in the legal field. The best employment lawyers explain complex legal matters in plain language, ensuring clients understand their options and strategies.
Negotiation Skills:
- Many employment cases are resolved through negotiation. These lawyers excel in negotiation, securing favorable settlements for their clients.
Litigation Experience:
- While not all cases go to trial, the best employment lawyers are seasoned trial attorneys, prepared to vigorously defend their clients’ rights in court if necessary.
Client-Centered Approach:
- Top employment lawyers prioritize their clients’ interests and well-being. They listen to their clients’ concerns, address their questions, and tailor their strategies to the unique circumstances of each case.
Track Record of Success:
- Look for attorneys with a history of securing favorable outcomes, whether through settlements, jury verdicts, or court rulings, in employment cases similar to yours.
Transparent Fees:
- The best employment lawyers are upfront about their fees and billing practices, ensuring clients have a clear understanding of the costs involved.
Empathy and Compassion:
- Employment issues can be emotionally challenging. The best attorneys approach their clients with empathy and compassion, recognizing the stress and anxiety involved.
Diversity and Inclusion:
- They champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to fighting against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Legal Innovators:
- Top employment lawyers stay updated on evolving employment laws and trends, using innovative legal strategies to protect their clients’ rights.
How the Best Employment Lawyers Can Help:
Now that we’ve outlined the qualities of the best employment lawyers in Chicago, let’s explore how they can assist employees and individuals in various workplace scenarios:
Discrimination Cases:
- Employment lawyers can help individuals who have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.
Wrongful Termination:
- They advocate for employees who believe they were wrongfully terminated, whether due to retaliation, violation of employment contracts, or other unjust reasons.
Wage and Hour Disputes:
- Employment lawyers assist employees in wage and hour disputes, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work, including overtime pay.
Harassment Claims:
- Employees facing harassment in the workplace can seek legal counsel to address these issues and protect their rights.
Whistleblower Protection:
- They offer protection to whistleblowers who report unlawful activities in the workplace, shielding them from retaliation.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Matters:
- Employment lawyers help employees understand and exercise their rights under the FMLA, including leave entitlements and job protection.
Contract Disputes:
- They represent employees in contract disputes, including issues related to non-compete agreements, severance packages, and employment contracts.
Conclusion:
In the dynamic employment landscape of Chicago, having access to the best employment lawyers is crucial for individuals and employees seeking justice and fairness in the workplace. These legal professionals, with their expertise, experience, and unwavering commitment, serve as advocates for employee rights, ensuring that individuals can assert their legal claims with confidence and resilience, ultimately fostering a more equitable and just work environment in the Windy City.