National award-winning employment lawyers

Do you have a case?
No obligation conversation.

Fired, underpaid, harassed, or pushed out? We help workers across Minnesota and Illinois figure out whether what happened to you was legal — and what you can do about it. You pay nothing unless we win.

Get free case review
  • Rated by and
  • No fees unless we win
  • Offices in Minnesota and Illinois

Tacora Franklin-Lee

Wanta Thorne was just what I and my family needed. There were patient, knowledgeable and great at explaining things in a easy to understand manor. I appreciate the responsiveness of all involved and I'm very satisfied their services.

Alexander Hartigan

Joni and her team are exceptional! I felt heard during the entire process, and that was extremely important to me as I was going through this difficult, and confusing period in my life. The communication is superb, and Joni will do everything possible to fight for you in your case. If you want an empathetic team that will go the extra mile for you in your employment matter, I strongly recommend Wanta Thome!

Kathleen Schreck

Luke was so wonderful! He talked me through any question I had or if I ever needed clarity. He was also extremely responsive, whether it was a quick reply to my email, or calling me to ensure I had an understanding. I would absolutely use Wanta Thome again if I ever had an issue, and would definitely recommend this firm to anyone who needs assurance. Thanks again!!

Common situations we handle

  • Two people speaking across a table

    Wrongful Termination

    You were fired and you think it was for the wrong reason.

    Pregnancy, an injury, your age, your race, your religion, your disability, your medical leave, or your complaint about safety or unpaid wages are not legal reasons to fire you.

    Learn more about wrongful termination →
  • Worker wearing a yellow hard hat

    Unpaid Wages

    You have been denied wages or overtime pay you rightfully earned.

    Wage theft can take many forms, from unpaid off-the-clock work to misclassification as an independent contractor.

    Learn more about unpaid wages →
  • Silhouetted office worker behind textured glass

    Discrimination

    You are being treated differently at work because of who you are.

    Federal and state laws protect workers from discrimination based on race, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics.

    Learn more about discrimination →
  • Commuter standing beside a subway train

    Harassment

    Your workplace has become hostile, intimidating, or degrading.

    Harassment can be unlawful when it is based on a protected characteristic and is severe or pervasive enough to affect your work.

    Learn more about harassment →
  • Worker at a register

    Retaliation

    You were punished for speaking up about something that was wrong.

    Your employer cannot retaliate against you for reporting discrimination, unpaid wages, unsafe conditions, or other illegal conduct.

    Learn more about retaliation →

The first step costs nothing

There is no charge for finding out whether our firm is a good fit for your case. Most of our matters run on contingency — you pay nothing up front, nothing while we work, and nothing at all if we do not recover money for you. For situations that work differently, we explain the fees in plain language before you commit to anything.

Your submission is confidential. We do not contact your employer.

The fastest way to know if you have a case

Receive a call from our AI voice system, which will call you in the next 5 minutes to confirm details, if you opt for it.

We may occasionally contact you with updates or content we think you'll find useful. You can unsubscribe anytime. To learn more, see our Privacy Policy.

By submitting this form, you consent to receive a brief automated follow-up call to gather additional details. This helps us better understand your situation and deliver the right support. You also agree to Wanta Thome storing and processing your information to provide requested services.

What happens after you submit

Intake system: Nina

Waiting time: 5 min

Within five minutes, Nina calls you — if you asked her to. Nina is our AI intake system. If you opted in, she calls back almost immediately to capture the facts of your situation thoroughly, on your schedule, without rushing you.

*Nina is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice.

Berenice from the intake team Intake team: Berenice

Waiting time: business day

If you did not opt in with Nina, our human intake team calls you instead. Same purpose, slightly slower — typically the same business day. You will not be left waiting.

Kristan, an attorney at Wanta Thome Attorney: Kristan

Waiting time: a few business days

An attorney reviews your file and follows up. We tell you what we think. If you have a case, we explain what it is. If you do not, we tell you that honestly. No pressure, no obligation.

We talk like people,
not like a law firm.

Employment law is complicated; we make it simple. Nobody knows the legal terms until they have to. We will explain what is going on in plain English and tell you honestly whether you have a case. If we cannot help, we will tell you that too — and point you toward someone who can.

What to do first if you were just fired

  1. Step 1

    Write down what happened while it is fresh (dates, names, what was said, who else was there).

  2. Step 2

    Save your texts, emails, schedules, and pay stubs; forward work emails to a personal address if you still can.

  3. Step 3

    Do not sign anything they hand you on the way out — most agreements give you days or weeks to decide.

  4. Step 4

    File for unemployment right away; being fired does not automatically disqualify you.

Call us before the deadline runs out.

Many employment claims have hard cutoffs, sometimes only 180 days.

Get free case review

Recent results

$12K
Back wages and overtime recovered for a warehouse worker fired after asking about his missing paychecks.
$45K
Settlement reached for a housekeeper fired two weeks after telling her supervisor she was pregnant.
30 days
From denial to restored benefits for a security guard fired after reporting unsafe conditions, restoring full benefits.
$60K
Settlement reached for a personal care assistant who was sexually harassed by a supervisor and fired after she reported it.
The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
National Wage and Hour Trial Lawyers Top 10
The National Trial Lawyers Top 100

“The court recognizes that Plaintiffs’ counsel has performed at a very high rate of professionalism and skill... they have been consistently knowledgeable and accomplished.”

United States District Court Judge

Why people trust us

We have recovered money for hundreds of Minnesota and Illinois workers, from warehouse staff to office managers. Recognized by and , but our real measure is whether we got the client paid. We answer the phone, we return texts, and we treat every call like it matters — because it does.

Best Law Firms Minneapolis Tier 1, 2026 Best Law Firms Minneapolis Tier 1, 2025
Best Lawyers Ones to Watch, Wanta Thome, 2026 Wanta Thome recognized by Best Lawyers, 2026
Isaiah Kelly standing with attorney Joni Thome

“Joni and her team are who you want to represent you! She kept me informed and in the loop throughout the whole process while working hard. Joni is warm and makes sure her clients are cared for. She helped me heal and close a chapter of my life so I can continue moving forward strong knowing that my voice matters and will be heard! Thank you so much for all of your dedication and care!”

Isaiah Kelly

Gwen Conde

I’m really thankful for Taylor and the team for everything they did for me. This process wasn’t easy, but Taylor was always patient, kind, and made sure I understood what was going on. I never felt rushed or ignored, and that honestly meant a lot.

Andrea Warfield

I’m incredibly grateful for the time and care that Taylor Volkman has given me. From the very beginning, he took the time to really listen to my situation and understand the details of what I’ve already tried on my own. He provided me with a clear list of possible paths forward and even gave me the vocabulary I can use when addressing issues with my employer.

What stood out most is how patient and thorough he has been — making sure I understood my options, validating the steps I’ve already taken, and helping me feel prepared to advocate for myself. He never rushed me, and it was clear that his priority was making sure I felt supported and informed.

Even though he hasn’t charged me for the time he has spent so far, the guidance has been invaluable. I strongly recommend Taylor to anyone who needs thoughtful, practical, and compassionate legal support.

Takara Bryant

I don’t even know where to start. I have nothing but good things to say about Wanta Thome ESPECIALLY about Joni and Thomas! They went to bat for me like no other. They made me feel comfortable and treated me with the respect I deserved. They fought hard for me and helped guide me through each process. I was confident that they had my best interest at heart. After we were done I didn’t want to leave them. They are now my new family members (not sure if they know it or not). All in all, go with Wanta Thome, they’re no suckers! 10’s across the board.

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Ready to find out where you stand?

Five fields, no story needed yet — that comes on the follow-up call. Most people hear back within five minutes if Nina is enabled, or the same business day if not.

Your submission is confidential. We do not contact your employer.

The fastest way to know if you have a case

Receive a call from our AI voice system, which will call you in the next 5 minutes to confirm details, if you opt for it.

We may occasionally contact you with updates or content we think you'll find useful. You can unsubscribe anytime. To learn more, see our Privacy Policy.

By submitting this form, you consent to receive a brief automated follow-up call to gather additional details. This helps us better understand your situation and deliver the right support. You also agree to Wanta Thome storing and processing your information to provide requested services.

Common questions

How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer?

Nothing. The first call is free, and it stays free whether or not we take your case. If we do take it, we work on contingency — no money up front, no money while the case runs, and no fee at all unless we recover money for you.

Do I have a case?

We can't tell from a job title or a one-line summary — it depends on what happened, when, and why. But if you were fired after reporting something, paid less than you earned, treated differently because of who you are, or punished for taking leave you're owed, it's worth a call.

How long do I have to file a claim?

It depends which law applies, and some windows are short — certain claims close 180 days after what happened, others in six months. Because the clock usually starts on the day of the incident, waiting to find out can cost you options you didn't know you had.

Will my employer find out I contacted you?

Not from us. Your call and anything you send us stay confidential, and we don't reach out to your employer. If you decide to move forward with a claim, they'll learn about it eventually — but we walk you through exactly when and how before anything happens.

What if I already signed a severance agreement?

Signing doesn't always mean you gave up your rights. Some agreements aren't enforceable, some don't cover every kind of claim, and some were signed under conditions that matter legally. Bring us what you signed and we'll tell you where it leaves you.