Chicago employment lawyer

If you were fired, harassed, underpaid, or pushed out at a job in Chicago metro area, we can help. Our Chicago office serves employees across Illinois on state and federal employment law matters.

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Our Illinois office

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1100 W Cermak Rd, #628
Chicago, IL 60608
(866) 790-4497

Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm

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Illinois employment law

Illinois employees have protections under both federal and state law. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) covers discrimination in the workplace. The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act protects workers from wage theft and requires timely payment of earned wages. Illinois workers also have protections under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, and the state has strong whistleblower protections for workers who report illegal activity by their employers.

Not sure which laws apply to your situation?
That’s what we figure out with you.

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The team

Meet the full team
Shawn Wanta, Founding Partner at Wanta Thome

Shawn Wanta

Founding Partner

Recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Civil Plaintiff and Top 10 Wage and Hour attorneys, a determined litigator fighting for workers in class and collective actions.

Admitted in MN · IL

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!!

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Recent results

$14.8M
Recovered for workers in the 215 cases we resolved over the past 12 months.
3 in 4
Share of those cases resolved without filing a lawsuit.
$42.5K
Median recovery in our retaliation cases over the same period.
~7 months
Median time from first call to resolution in cases involving medical or parental leave. Some take longer.

Figures cover cases resolved between October 21, 2025 and October 20, 2026. Recoveries are gross amounts estimated from the firm’s fee records.
Every case turns on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Common questions

What is at-will employment in Illinois?

Illinois is an at-will state, so your employer can generally fire you without warning or a stated reason, and you can quit the same way. What at-will doesn’t allow is firing you for an illegal reason — discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusing to break the law.

Do I have to give two weeks’ notice in Illinois?

No. Illinois law doesn’t require notice from either side. It’s a professional courtesy, not a legal obligation, unless your employment contract says otherwise. Your employer can’t withhold wages you’ve already earned because you left without notice.

What is the Illinois Human Rights Act?

The IHRA is Illinois’s main anti-discrimination law. It protects more characteristics than federal law — including marital status, arrest record, and citizenship status — and covers employers with as few as one employee, where federal law generally requires fifteen or more.

What protections does the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act give me?

It requires employers to pay you the wages you’ve earned, on time, and limits what they can deduct from your paycheck. It also sets deadlines for final pay after you leave, with penalties when employers miss them.

How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Illinois?

It depends on which law you use. Charges through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the EEOC generally run 300 days. Because the clock starts when the discrimination happened, waiting can cost you options.