Proven Northbrook Legal Counsel In Employment And Labor Law
Last updated on September 6, 2024
At Wiczer Jacobs LLC, in Northbrook, we believe in providing comprehensive and proactive representation to employers throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Rather than addressing just one problem when it arises, we examine the big picture to address the complete well-being of your company. We offer you a relationship that extends beyond your legal battles. We take pride in seeing our clients thrive, ensuring that your success continues well after your legal matters have been settled.
At our core, we hold a deep love for people and justice. Each lawyer at Wiczer Jacobs LLC shares this ideology and brings a wealth of experience to the table. We operate as a boutique law firm, which means we handle each case with the care and attention it deserves. You are not just a number to us; you are a valued member of the Wiczer Jacobs LLC community. We limit our caseload to ensure that we can give each client the best possible service. Offering free consultations and boasting over 100 years of collective experience, we are here to navigate the complexities of employment and labor law with you.
Addressing Your Employment And Labor Law Needs
As an employer or business owner, you face a myriad of employment and labor law concerns. Whether it’s navigating employment regulation compliance, resolving disputes or managing day-to-day operations, these issues require knowledgeable and proactive legal handling.
We represent clients in the following areas:
- Representation of clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Representation of clients before various state agencies
- The hiring process
- Employee handbooks
- Personnel policies
- Discipline and termination procedures
- Discrimination claims
- Labor disputes, including disputes before the National Labor Relations Board
- Wage and hour disputes
- Discrimination and harassment training
While some companies may benefit from in-house counsel, not all businesses can support or require such an arrangement. You need a law firm that comprehends your business objectives thoroughly and can align legal strategies accordingly. At Wiczer Jacobs LLC, our business lawyers are committed to understanding your needs and delivering solutions that protect and enhance your business operations.
Common Questions About Employment And Labor Law In Illinois
Knowledge is power. Here are some of the most important pieces of information our clients need to know:
What are the overtime laws in Illinois?
Generally speaking, nonexempt hourly workers in private employment (which constitutes most workers) are entitled to overtime pay for any time worked over 40 hours per week. Overtime pay is a mandatory 1.5 times the worker’s hourly wage, so the minimum overtime pay in this state is $21 per hour.
Can an employer in Illinois terminate an employee without cause?
Because Illinois is an “at-will” employment state, employers can fire an employee for no reason, an unfair reason or any reason at all – except when their reason is discriminatory, retaliatory or in violation of an employee’s contract.
Employers may not terminate an employee due to their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, citizenship status, marital status, age, disability, military service or an unfavorable military discharge. They may also not fire an employee for exercising their rights or legal obligations, such as filing a complaint about sexual harassment, participating in an investigation or serving on a jury.
What are the laws regarding meal and rest breaks in Illinois?
With some exceptions, employers are required to provide employees who work 7.5 continuous hours with a 20-minute meal break within five hours of the start of their shift. Employees are entitled to an additional 20-minute rest break for each 4.5 hours of additional work in a shift. Hotel room attendants in this state fall under special rules that entitle them to two 15-minute rest breaks in a seven-hour shift and a 30-minute meal break.
What are my rights regarding workplace safety in Illinois?
Employees have a right to a safe work environment, and the right to raise any concerns they may have about their workplace safety to the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IL-OSHA) without fear of retaliation. They also have a right to obtain copies of any records that show their exposure to toxic substances in the workplace and request an IL-OSHA inspection if they suspect unsafe conditions.
Take Action Today To Protect Your Company’s Future
Do not let legal challenges hinder your business’s potential. Reach out to us today. We are ready to discuss your employment and labor law needs and how we can assist you. Schedule your free initial consultation at our Northbrook law office by calling us at Call or by filling out our online contact form.