If your employer has punished you for speaking up about illegal activity or misconduct, you do not have to handle it alone. At 1818 Litigation Attorneys, we stand up for employees in Chicago and across Illinois who have experienced retaliation for doing the right thing.
Retaliation is illegal under federal and state law. Whether you reported financial fraud, unsafe working conditions, or workplace discrimination, you deserve protection.
Our attorneys guide you through each step—from gathering evidence to pursuing claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR)—to fight for the justice you deserve.
What Counts as Workplace Retaliation in Illinois?
Workplace retaliation happens when an employer takes harmful action against an employee because that employee engaged in a legally protected activity. Retaliation can look like:
- Termination or demotion after reporting misconduct
- Reduced hours or loss of benefits following a complaint
- Harassment or threats designed to intimidate you into silence
- Damage to your future career or immigration status as a form of punishment
These actions are prohibited by law when they are tied to protected activities such as reporting illegal practices, filing a formal complaint, testifying in an investigation, or cooperating with regulators.
Laws That Protect You From Retaliation
Federal and state laws create strong protections for whistleblowers and employees who stand up against unlawful conduct.
Federal Whistleblower Protections
Several federal statutes protect employees who speak out:
- Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA): Safeguards federal employees who report fraud, waste, abuse, or violations of law within government agencies.
- Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA): Strengthens WPA protections, broadening the scope of protected disclosures.
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Protects employees of publicly traded companies who report corporate fraud, securities violations, or accounting misconduct.
Illinois Whistleblower Act (IWA)
Illinois law goes even further. The Illinois Whistleblower Act (740 ILCS 174) provides additional rights for employees in our state. A recent amendment, effective January 1, 2025, makes those protections even stronger:
- You are protected even if you report misconduct internally—to a supervisor, officer, or board member—without going to an outside agency.
- “Retaliatory action” now includes threats that could harm future employment or even affect immigration status, not just obvious actions like firing or demotion.
How 1818 Litigation Attorneys Can Help
Our attorneys advocate for employees who have been retaliated against. We know that speaking up is not easy—and facing punishment afterward can be devastating. We step in to level the playing field by:
- Investigating your retaliation claim and securing evidence
- Filing formal complaints with the EEOC or IDHR
- Negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation to enforce your rights
- Seeking maximum remedies, including reinstatement, back pay, and damages
With our Chicago-based team, you gain attorneys who know both federal whistleblower protections and Illinois-specific statutes. We combine legal skill with personalized attention so you can move forward with confidence.
Damages and Remedies We Fight For
If you’ve experienced retaliation, you may be entitled to powerful remedies, including:
- Job reinstatement: Returning to your position or an equivalent role.
- Back pay and front pay: Compensation for lost wages and benefits.
- Attorneys’ fees and costs: So you are not burdened with out-of-pocket expenses.
- Liquidated damages and civil penalties: In Illinois, these can be up to $10,000.
- Injunctive relief: Court orders preventing your employer from continuing unlawful conduct.
We pursue all available avenue to hold your employer accountable and to restore what was taken from you.
What To Do If You Suspect Retaliation
If you believe you are facing retaliation, time is critical. Here’s how to protect your case:
- Document everything. Keep records of dates, actions, emails, texts, and witness statements. Hold onto your employment contract, policies, performance reviews, and pay records.
- Report internally. Notify a supervisor or HR according to your company’s policies. Keep copies of your complaint and their responses.
- Contact our firm. If retaliation continues or if you are unsure about next steps, reach out to us. We can guide you on filing with the EEOC or IDHR and pursuing legal action.
Why Choose 1818 Litigation Attorneys?
1818 Litigation Attorneys was founded to protect employees, professionals, and businesses across Illinois.
With decades of experience working alongside and within government at every level, founding principal Jordan Matyas built this firm to combine deep regulatory knowledge with practical, results‑driven advocacy.
On employment law matters such as workplace retaliation, discrimination, and whistleblower claims, here’s what sets us apart:
- Extensive Employment Law Insight: We understand Illinois and federal workplace protections, from the Illinois Whistleblower Act to EEOC and IDHR procedures.
- Proactive, Relentless Advocacy: We take immediate action to protect your rights and your future, building strong claims and pursuing all available remedy.
- Creative, Practical Solutions: No two retaliation cases are the same. We tailor our strategy to fit your specific situation and goals.
- Reputation Protection: When workplace disputes go public or threaten your professional name, we use targeted communication and crisis management to safeguard what you’ve built.
- Illinois‑Focused Representation: Our name, 1818, honors the year Illinois joined the Union, a reflection of our commitment to employees across Chicago and the state.
Your career is worth defending. At 1818 Litigation Attorneys, we bring together decades of legal experience, government insight, and strategic advocacy to fight for employees who have been wronged.
FAQs About Workplace Retaliation
Can I be fired in Chicago for reporting my employer to the authorities?
No. Federal and Illinois laws prohibit firing an employee for reporting illegal or unethical conduct. If it happens, you may have grounds for a retaliation claim.
What if I only reported the misconduct internally?
Under Illinois law, you are still protected even if you reported internally to a supervisor, principal officer, or board member.
How long do I have to file a retaliation claim?
Deadlines vary. EEOC charges generally must be filed within 300 days of the retaliatory act in Illinois. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Do I need proof of retaliation?
Documentation helps immensely, but even if you have limited evidence, speak to us. We can help investigate and build your case.
Will my employer know I’ve contacted a lawyer?
Our consultations are confidential. Your employer will not know unless and until you choose to move forward with legal action.
Speak With a Chicago Workplace Retaliation Lawyer Today
Your bravery in speaking up should never lead to punishment. If you’ve faced wrongful termination, harassment, demotion, or other retaliation, 1818 Litigation Attorneys is ready to fight for you.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let us protect your rights, pursue justice, and hold your employer accountable.
Business License Defense Practice Areas
Home Inspectors
Home Inspectors
Roofing Professionals
Roofing Professionals
Architects
Architects
Real Estate
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.
Architects