Employment Lawyers in Lyons

Illinois disabled employees are protected by the federal ADA (15+ employees) + state law — employers must engage in interactive process + provide reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship.

Illinois workers age 40+ are protected by the federal ADEA + state law from age discrimination — but the Supreme Court's Gross v. FBL standard requires "but-for" causation, making cases harder than other discrimination claims.

Illinois follows the at-will employment rule — either side can end employment for any reason or no reason. Illinois recognizes the public policy, implied contract exceptions.

Illinois employee handbooks can create implied contracts limiting at-will employment — but proper disclaimers preserve at-will status. NLRA also restricts certain handbook policies for employees.

Illinois equal-pay law combines federal Equal Pay Act + Title VII with state-level pay-equity statutes — many of which are stronger than federal law (CA, NY, MA, WA, others).

Federal FMLA gives eligible employees 12 weeks of UNPAID leave for qualifying family and medical reasons. Illinois's state-level paid leave: Paid Leave for All Workers Act — up to 5 days/year (since 2024).

Illinois hostile work environment claims require severe + pervasive conduct based on protected status — but post-2024 EEOC guidance has lowered some threshold standards.

Illinois worker classification: Multiple tests: ABC for unemployment; common-law for taxes. Misclassification as independent contractor (1099) instead of employee (W-2) creates substantial liability for employers + lost rights for workers.

Illinois LGBTQ+ employment discrimination is illegal under federal Title VII (per Bostock v. Clayton County 2020) + many state laws — sexual orientation + gender identity protected as "sex" discrimination.

Illinois minimum wage: $14.

Illinois narrowly restricts non-competes — eligible only above income thresholds and in specific circumstances.

Illinois non-solicitation agreements: Enforceable; non-solicits banned for workers under $45,000/yr (Freedom to Work Act).