Employment Law
Contacts:
- Ray H. Rittenhouse
- 630.384.3131
- Patricia L. Argentati
- 630.384.3123
MRV’s employment law attorneys have represented a variety of clients before administrative agencies and in state and federal court. Our attorneys have appeared before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Cook County Department of Human Rights, Chicago Department of Human Rights, and Illinois Department of Employment Security. MRV has defended employers in state and federal courts including the
Appellate Court of Illinois and the Seventh District Court of Appeals.
The employment law practice has defended business clients as diverse as municipalities, car dealerships, pet care centers, interstate trucking companies, paper product manufacturers, and employment agencies. The type of cases our attorneys have defended include allegations of sexual harassment, racial and national origin discrimination, age discrimination, ADA violations, retaliation claims, Section 1983 civil rights violations, free speech violations, and many other causes of action arising out of employment.
Our attorneys are active in various bar associations, particularly sections or committees focused on employment law. Frequent presenters on employment law matters, our attorneys will be willing to speak at your company.
Representative Results
Obtained dismissal of claim before the IDHR on a motion before investigation, because employer did not have 15 employees in Illinois.
Obtained a finding of no cause in the investigative stage on behalf of a client law firm, which had been charged by a dismissed employee with racial discrimination. We were able to demonstrate the dismissal was due to the employee’s violation of the law firm’s Internet policy and not racially motivated.
Obtained a not guilty verdict in a jury trial in Cook County, Illinois, defending a real estate management company on a claim of retaliatory discharge. A building’s manager claimed he was dismissed due to his filing a worker’s compensation claim. The jury decided otherwise.
Obtained summary judgment in U.S. District Court on behalf of an employer defending a sexual harassment suit. Plaintiff claimed she was sexually harassed, but employer received summary judgment on Ellerth defense because employee did not comply with the company’s written policy for making a sexual harassment claim.
Obtained a not guilty verdict in a jury trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The plaintiff alleged racial and disability discrimination against a suburban municipality. Defense argued the plaintiff was unable to perform the physically demanding job, which was a bona fide basis for discharge. The jury agreed.
Obtained a finding of no substantial evidence on behalf of another suburban community in a racial discrimination claim by the investigator at the IDHR.
Obtained a not guilty verdict in a jury trial in the U.S. District Court on behalf of the chief of police of a suburban municipality. The plaintiffs were two police officers who claimed they were retaliated against and their First Amendment right to free speech was compromised. The jury felt otherwise.
Obtained a finding of no cause at the completion of the investigative stage in the IDHR for a Chicago restaurant. An employee claimed nationality discrimination. MRV attorneys successfully established the poor work habits and attendance problems were the reason for the complainant’s dismissal.