Chicago Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Lawyers
Your workplace should be where your talent is recognized and your dignity is respected.
When discrimination or harassment occurs in the office, it can affect your income, your mental health, and your future. You do not have to deal with all these problems alone.
At 1818 Litigation Attorneys, we represent employees across Chicago and throughout Illinois who have been mistreated on the job. Our Chicago workplace discrimination and harassment lawyers fight tirelessly to hold employers accountable and secure justice, compensation, and change.
What is Workplace Discrimination in Chicago?
Discrimination happens when an employer treats you unfavorably because of a protected characteristic, rather than your performance or qualifications. This can impact every part of employment—hiring, pay, promotions, benefits, and termination.
Protected characteristics under Illinois and federal law include:
- Race or color
- National origin or ancestry
- Religion or creed
- Sex, pregnancy, and gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Age (40+)
- Disability, including denial of reasonable accommodations
- Military or veteran status
Examples of workplace discrimination:
- You are denied a raise after announcing your pregnancy, despite excellent reviews.
- You are laid off while younger, less experienced employees in the same role keep their jobs.
- A qualified applicant is turned away because of a foreign accent or religious dress.
Discrimination can be subtle or shockingly blunt, but the impact is real. Our attorneys know how to uncover evidence, build a strong case, and fight for your rights.
What is Workplace Harassment?
Harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile, intimidating, or abusive work environment.
Two main types of harassment:
- Quid Pro Quo Harassment: When a manager demands sexual favors or other personal concessions in exchange for a raise, promotion, or continued employment.
- Hostile Work Environment: Repeated offensive remarks, slurs, jokes, or behavior that makes it difficult for you to do your job.
Real examples of harassment:
- A supervisor regularly makes sexual jokes and comments, even after complaints.
- Coworkers circulate offensive memes about someone’s race or religion.
- An employer ignores repeated reports of unwanted touching by a manager.
Harassment can be verbal, physical, or visual—and employers are legally responsible for preventing it.
Facing Retaliation? Here’s What You Need to Know
We often hear from employees who say:
“I wanted to report what was happening, but I was afraid I’d be fired.”
The law protects you here as well. Retaliation is strictly prohibited under both federal and Illinois law. Your employer cannot punish you for:
- Reporting discrimination or harassment
- Requesting a reasonable accommodation
- Participating in an investigation
- Filing a complaint with the EEOC or IDHR
Retaliation can take many forms, such as termination, demotion, reduced hours, poor evaluations, or sudden disciplinary action. If you’ve experienced retaliation, we can help you pursue a separate claim for additional damages.
Illinois and Federal Protections for Employees
You’re protected by a framework of powerful laws:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/): Expands those protections for employees across the state.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensures equal opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Protects employees over 40 from age-based employment decisions.
Employers in Chicago are accountable for the actions of their managers, supervisors, and, in many cases, even customers or vendors who harass their employees.
Steps to Take If You Experience Discrimination or Harassment
You have rights, but protecting them starts with taking the right steps to build a case.
1. Document Every Detail
- Write down dates, times, locations, and names of everyone involved.
- Save emails, texts, voicemails, and relevant paperwork like performance reviews or handbooks.
- Keep a timeline of incidents and any responses from management.
2. Use Internal Reporting Channels
- Notify your employer in writing—HR, your supervisor, or as instructed in your handbook.
- Keep copies of complaints and responses.
- Even if nothing changes, you’ve created a paper trail.
3. Contact a Chicago Employment Lawyer
- Don’t wait. You generally have 300 days to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- We can help you file, investigate, and pursue every available remedy.
What Damages Can You Recover?
Our Chicago workplace discrimination and harassment attorneys work to obtain the maximum relief available, which may include:
- Reinstatement to your former position or a similar role
- Back pay for lost wages and benefits
- Front pay if returning isn’t practical
- Compensation for emotional distress and reputational harm
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
- Punitive damages to punish and deter egregious misconduct
- Policy changes or injunctive relief to prevent future violations
Our goal is not only to win your case, but to help you rebuild your life and career.
How 1818 Litigation Attorneys Can Help
Hiring the right lawyer can make all the difference.
At 1818 Litigation Attorneys, we bring a powerful combination of legal skill and insider knowledge of government agencies.
Founder Jordan Matyas has worked with the White House, the Illinois Legislature, Chicago’s Law Department, and the Regional Transportation Authority. That experience gives our firm unique insight into how to navigate employment law claims in Illinois.
When you choose us, you get:
- Decades of employment law experience in discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases.
- Comprehensive case investigation to uncover every fact and piece of evidence.
- Relentless advocacy against employers, insurers, and defense teams.
- Clear communication throughout the process so you never feel in the dark.
- Reputation management strategies when workplace issues threaten your good name.
We don’t offer cookie‑cutter solutions. We craft a strategy around your story, your goals, and your future.
FAQs About Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
What if I never filed a written HR complaint?
You may still have a case. Documentation helps, but isn’t always required, especially if internal reporting would have been futile or unsafe.
Can I sue if I quit because of harassment?
Yes. If your employer made conditions intolerable, you may have a constructive discharge claim.
I’m classified as an independent contractor. Am I protected?
Many workers are misclassified. If your job functions as an employee’s would, you may still be protected.
What if harassment came from a client or customer?
Employers can be liable if they knew or should have known about it and failed to act.
How long do I have to file?
Typically 300 days from the incident. Don’t wait—contact us now.
How do fees work?
Many cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront fees and we only get paid if we recover money for you.
Additional Resources
- 📞 EEOC – File a charge or learn your rights (800‑669‑4000)
- 📞 Illinois Department of Human Rights – State protections and filings (800‑662‑3942)
Speak With a Chicago Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Lawyer Today
Your career and your dignity are worth protecting.
If you’ve been discriminated against, harassed, or retaliated against, 1818 Litigation Attorneys is here to help. We will investigate your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Call or schedule a confidential consultation online today.
Let us help you take back control—and move forward with confidence.
Business License Defense Practice Areas
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Architects
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Real Estate
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Business License Defense Practice Areas Explained
Home Inspectors
Home inspectors must meet specific IDFPR requirements to practice in Illinois, and failing to comply with Illinois’ Home Inspector License Act and the rules within can lead to investigations, disciplinary action, and the loss of your professional license.
1818 specializes in helping Illinois home inspectors minimize disciplinary action and defend their licenses.
As a full-service law firm, 1818 will handle everything from initial investigations to administrative hearings and appeals on your behalf. Our attorneys will leverage years of IDFPR and government experience to provide the help you need.
Protect Your Home Inspection License
Roofing Professionals
The Illinois Attorney General’s office receives thousands of complaints every year from homeowners involved in disputes with home repair contractors, including roofing professionals. These disputes can lead to IDFPR investigations and other government interventions that threaten your professional license and ability to perform contractor work in Illinois.
Roofing professionals facing disputes, investigations, or other challenges need an experienced license defense attorney who can negotiate effectively and protect your ability to make a living.
The 1818 team has years of successful experience in professional license defense that includes an intimate knowledge of IDFPR and how licensing regulations apply to contractors. Before you speak to a government investigator or agency, call 1818 to protect your rights.
Protect Your Roofing License
Architects and professional design organizations that practice in Illinois must meet rigorous standards and adhere to strict guidelines to maintain their licenses. If those criteria are not met, you could risk losing your license or facing disciplinary action — especially if you don’t have legal representation.
The 1818 team can help you navigate IDFPR’s complex regulatory framework and protect your license and career with a personalized strategy. Don’t wait until it’s too late — safeguard your future as an architect or designer by contacting 1818 before you respond to any government inquiry.
Protect Your Professional Design License
Real Estate
IDFPR regulates dozens of real estate roles, from brokers and leasing agents to appraisers, land sales developers, timeshare managers, and education providers. All of these roles are subject to agency oversight and disciplinary action for lack of compliance.
Instead of taking on IDFPR alone, contact the experienced attorneys at 1818 for your professional real estate license defense. Our team has successfully represented real estate professionals in IDFPR cases for years, and in some cases, an investigation or review can be cleared up without impacting your ability to work.
Protect Your Real Estate License
Other Business Licenses
Business licenses in the state of Illinois are subject to dozens of laws, statutes, and regulations. If you’re an Illinois business owner at risk of losing your professional license or livelihood, you should have an experienced IDFPR attorney by your side to minimize disciplinary actions and prevent the situation from getting any worse.
1818 is the team you need for any and all business license defense in Illinois. Led by founding principal and former IDFPR section supervisor Jordan Matyas, 1818 is dedicated to helping licensed professionals like you get the help you need and protect your rights.
Protect Your Business License
Illinois Business License Defense FAQ
What are my legal options after receiving a complaint notice in Illinois?
After receiving a complaint or letter of investigation, you can attempt to respond to the allegations independently or you can contact a professional license defense attorney to defend you and your license.
Do I really need a business license defense attorney in Illinois?
Absolutely. Do not seek help from the investigator or any other IDFPR personnel. The most important thing to remember is that the IDFPR’s top priority is to protect the public. They have no interest in assisting you in defending your license. We do.
Call 1818 now. We recommend getting legal representation from an experienced and dedicated business license defense attorney as soon as possible.
What happens if I don’t respond to IDFPR?
Failure to respond to a complaint will result in adverse action against your business license. Ignoring the complaint ensures that your license will be suspended or revoked. Ignoring the issue won’t make it go away. Instead, contact a business license defense attorney immediately.
My business license application was denied. What now?
If you have applied for an Illinois business license and are denied by the IDFPR, they will send you a Notice of Intent to Deny. You will have a short time to contest the denial. If you decide to contest, an informal conference or evidentiary hearing will be held to get your license back on track.
Your attorney can help you throughout the process and ensure you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Hire 1818 Litigation Attorneys to navigate your legal needs and government goals.
Our firm uses unique tactics and strategies for Illinois corporations, professionals, and communities.
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