Ranking tables

Labor & Employment | USA

Illinois

In Chambers USA, Labor - as distinct from employment – refers to the representation of corporates in their dealings with labor unions, including collective bargaining negotiations, strike avoidance and NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) proceedings. The section also covers wage and hour class and collective actions, as well as OSHA (Occupational health and safety act) and other workplace safety issues, which are also recognised in the Nationwide Occupational Safety and Health section. Employment covers litigation related to sex, race, age and national origin discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination and employment-related restrictive covenants. This section also covers non-contentious matters relating to day-to-day business issues as well as workforce restructuring, and employment issues related to mergers and takeovers. Lawyers also advise on the writing of policy handbooks for major corporates and HR training.

Rankings overview for Lawyers

S

  1. Joseph Tilson
    Joseph Tilson Cozen O'Connor23 Years Ranked
  2. James C Franczek, JrFranczek P.C.

All Lawyers profiles

S

Senior Statespeople

  1. Joseph Tilson
    S
    Joseph Tilson
    Cozen O'Connor
    Cozen O'Connor | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Senior Statespeople | 23 Years Ranked
    Joseph Tilson is considered a go-to lawyer for both private and public employers on matters such as wage and hour class actions.
  2. James C Franczek, Jr
    Franczek P.C. | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Senior Statespeople
1

Band 1

  1. Anna Wermuth
    1
    Anna Wermuth
    Cozen O'Connor
    Cozen O'Connor | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 10 Years Ranked

    Anna Wermuth is commended for her expertise in employment-related disputes and regularly counsels high profile clients in class actions.

  2. Camille A Olson
    1
    Camille A Olson
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 22 Years Ranked
    Camille Olson is highly regarded for her work for employers in employment disputes and often works with clients in the media and technology sectors.
  3. Gerald L Maatman Jr
    1
    Gerald L Maatman Jr
    Duane Morris LLP
    Duane Morris LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 21 Years Ranked

    Gerald Maatman is a leading figure in class and collective action litigation and has extensive experience advising clients on wage and hour violations, as well as discrimination claims.

  4. Michael J Gray
    1
    Michael J Gray
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 19 Years Ranked
    Michael Gray has first-class expertise that covers matters such as discrimination lawsuits, allegations of breach of contract and whistle-blower claims.
  5. Nigel F Telman
    1
    Nigel F Telman
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years Ranked
    Nigel Telman works on an array of matters, including internal investigations and harassment claims.
  6. Sari M Alamuddin
    1
    Sari M Alamuddin
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 1 | 20 Years Ranked
    Sari Alamuddin focuses his labor and employment practice on defending class and collective actions.
2

Band 2

  1. Ellen E McLaughlin
    2
    Ellen E McLaughlin
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 22 Years Ranked
    Ellen McLaughlin handles issues relating to the ADA and FMLA, among other matters.
  2. Jeff Nowak
    2
    Jeff Nowak
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Jeff Nowak is a well-regarded labor and employment lawyer who is known for his work advising clients on FMLA and ADA matters.
  3. Joseph J Torres
    2
    Joseph J Torres
    Jenner & Block LLP
    Jenner & Block LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 23 Years Ranked

    Joseph Torres is co-chair of the labor and employment practice at Jenner & Block. He frequently advises on whistle-blower disputes and ERISA matters, as well as traditional labor law.

  4. Steven J. Pearlman
    2
    Steven J. Pearlman
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 10 Years Ranked
    Steven Pearlman specializes in whistle-blower and retaliation matters, including leading investigations, defending cases in court and advising on compliance and regulatory issues.
  5. Thomas Piskorski
    2
    Thomas Piskorski
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 24 Years Ranked
    Thomas Piskorski maintains a broad labor and employment practice and regularly handles cases concerning the FCRA and FLSA. He is experienced at handling class and collective actions as well as single-plaintiff claims.
  6. William Dugan
    2
    William Dugan
    Baker McKenzie
    Baker McKenzie | Head of Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 2 | 8 Years Ranked

    William Dugan regularly represents management in disputes, including discrimination and harassment allegations, trade secret misappropriation and whistle-blower claims.

3

Band 3

  1. Ami Wynne
    3
    Ami Wynne
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    Ami Wynne has a practice which encompasses a range of employment issues, including litigating disability discrimination and sexual harassment cases. She is experienced in handling matters before the EEOC.
  2. Barry A Hartstein
    3
    Barry A Hartstein
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 24 Years Ranked
    Barry Hartstein is noted for his vast experience dealing with EEOC matters.
  3. Brian Paul
    3
    Brian Paul
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    Brian Paul is an experienced labor and employment litigator with experience representing employers in administrative proceedings as well as state and federal lawsuits. He is also a go-to adviser on strategic employment issues.
  4. Daniel. A Kaufman
    3
    Daniel. A Kaufman
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked
    Daniel Kaufman advises employers on day-to-day HR concerns and is also a seasoned litigator with experience handling the full range of employment disputes, including harassment and discrimination claims.
  5. David B Ritter
    3
    David B Ritter
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 19 Years Ranked
    David Ritter has significant experience defending employers in cases centered on discrimination, harassment and retaliation, among other claims.
  6. Elizabeth McRee
    3
    Elizabeth McRee
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 3 Years Ranked

    Elizabeth McRee has experience handling employment litigation and arbitrations concerning a wide range of complex issues.

  7. Jeremy Glenn
    3
    Jeremy Glenn
    Cozen O'Connor
    Cozen O'Connor | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    Jeremy Glenn is noted for his wide-ranging labor and employment practice, which sees him often handle collective bargaining agreements and wage and hour disputes.
  8. Jill Vorobiev
    3
    Jill Vorobiev
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
    Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked

    Jill Vorobiev represents corporate clients in a range of labor and employment matters, including ERISA and discrimination cases.

  9. Joel Spitz
    3
    Joel Spitz
    McGuireWoods LLP
    McGuireWoods LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 15 Years Ranked
    Joel Spitz has a broad range of expertise, handling discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour class actions and FMLA and FLSA-related cases.
  10. Kenneth F Sparks
    3
    Kenneth F Sparks
    Vedder
    Vedder | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 15 Years Ranked

    Kenneth Sparks works on collective bargaining agreements, among labor and employment matters.

  11. Kenneth R Dolin
    3
    Kenneth R Dolin
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 23 Years Ranked
    Kenneth Dolin has over 30 years of experience advising clients on traditional labor law matters. He often works on collective bargaining agreements.
  12. Kerryann Haase Minton
    3
    Kerryann Haase Minton
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
    Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 8 Years Ranked
    Kerryann Haase Minton is an experienced litigator known for representing clients in a range of labor and employment matters, including discrimination and wage and hour cases.
  13. Michael J Sheehan
    3
    Michael J Sheehan
    Dechert LLP
    Dechert LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 15 Years Ranked

    Michael Sheehan focuses his employment practice on complex trade secret and unfair competition litigation.

  14. Michael Phillips
    3
    Michael Phillips
    McGuireWoods LLP
    McGuireWoods LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 7 Years Ranked
    Michael Phillips is noted for his expertise in class action lawsuits, encompassing wage and hour law and harassment claims.
  15. Noah Finkel
    3
    Noah Finkel
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 10 Years Ranked
    Noah Finkel is particularly experienced in handling wage and hour disputes.
  16. Rachel Cowen
    3
    Rachel Cowen
    Dechert LLP
    Dechert LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    Rachel Cowen is experienced in a wide array of employment litigation, including discrimination, wrongful termination and restrictive covenant related disputes.
  17. Thomas M Wilde
    3
    Thomas M Wilde
    Vedder
    Vedder | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked
    Thomas Wilde regularly advises employers on wage and hour litigation and harassment claims, as well as collective bargaining matters.
  18. Victoria Richter
    3
    Victoria Richter
    DLA Piper LLP (US)
    DLA Piper LLP (US) | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 6 Years Ranked

    Victoria Richter is a go-to lawyer for multinational companies on high level international employment issues.

  19. William Tarnow
    3
    William Tarnow
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3 | 9 Years Ranked

    William Tarnow is noted for his skillful handling of labor and employment disputes.

  20. Michael A Warner
    Franczek P.C. | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 3
4

Band 4

  1. Andrew Rosenman
    4
    Andrew Rosenman
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 5 Years Ranked

    Andrew Rosenman is noted for his experience representing companies in class and collective actions.

  2. David Birnbaum
    4
    David Birnbaum
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 7 Years Ranked
    David Birnbaum handles a range of issues, including collective bargaining negotiations and wage and hour claims.
  3. E Michael Rossman
    4
    E Michael Rossman
    Jones Day
    Jones Day | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 5 Years Ranked
    Michael Rossman is well regarded for his ability to defend clients in employment-related litigation. He is active in a range of industries including healthcare, manufacturing and technology.
  4. Jason Kim
    4
    Jason Kim
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 8 Years Ranked
    Jason Kim has notable expertise advising management on labor relations matters, including unfair labor practice matters before the NLRB. He is also adept at handling the full gamut of employment disputes.
  5. Marcia E Goodman
    4
    Marcia E Goodman
    Mayer Brown LLP
    Mayer Brown LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 19 Years Ranked
    Marcia Goodman advises clients on a variety of employment matters, including defending employers against EEOC charges and carrying out internal investigations.
  6. Margo Wolf O’Donnell
    4
    Margo Wolf O’Donnell
    Benesch
    Benesch | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 6 Years Ranked
    Margo Wolf O’Donnell cochairs the labor and employment practice group at Benesch. She defends employers in matters involving discrimination and harassment allegations, as well as wage and hour and breach of contract issues.
  7. Michael Roche
    4
    Michael Roche
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Head of Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 3 Years Ranked

    Michael Roche is an experienced litigator, representing clients across all industries, with a particular focus on representation of professional services and financial firms.

  8. Norma Zeitler
    4
    Norma Zeitler
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP
    Barnes & Thornburg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 6 Years Ranked

    Norma Zeitler is frequently sought out to advise employers on high level HR concerns. She also has a wealth of experience handling labor and employment disputes for clients in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, among others.

  9. Ryan Vann
    4
    Ryan Vann
    Cooley LLP
    Cooley LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 8 Years Ranked
    Ryan Vann leads the employment practice of Cooley across the Midwest. He counsels employers on a range of labor and employment issues, including litigation and administrative proceedings.
  10. Sonya Rosenberg
    4
    Sonya Rosenberg
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP
    Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 6 Years Ranked
    Sonya Rosenberg is well versed in counseling organizations in employee-related legal issues. She is also an experienced litigator.
  11. Teresa Reuter
    4
    Teresa Reuter
    Sidley Austin LLP
    Sidley Austin LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 1 Years Ranked

    Teresa Reuter is noted for her wide ranging labor and employment practice. She is deeply experienced in assisting clients with both litigation and transactional employment matters.

  12. William J Wortel
    4
    William J Wortel
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
    Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4 | 14 Years Ranked

    William Wortel of BCLP handles a broad range of employment matters. These include the defense of wage and hour class actions, harassment and race and disability discrimination claims.

  13. Gary Clark
    Quarles & Brady LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 4
5

Band 5

  1. Anne E. Larson
    5
    Anne E. Larson
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 4 Years Ranked

    Anne Larson is an experienced litigator with broad-based expertise including handling BIPA class actions, retaliation claims and termination disputes.

  2. Cardelle Spangler
    5
    Cardelle Spangler
    Winston Taylor LLP
    Winston Taylor LLP | Head of Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Cardelle Spangler is best known for her expertise in representing her clients in discrimination and retaliation claims.

  3. David P Radelet
    5
    David P Radelet
    Littler Mendelson, PC
    Littler Mendelson, PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 9 Years Ranked
    David Radelet has over three decades of experience in representing private sector employers in a wide range of labor and employment matters.
  4. Elizabeth Hall
    5
    Elizabeth Hall
    Vedder
    Vedder | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked
    Elizabeth Hall is a highly regarded labor and employment attorney. She regularly defends clients in class action claims.
  5. Erinn L Rigney
    5
    Erinn L Rigney
    K&L Gates
    K&L Gates | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Erinn Rigney is a partner at K&L Gates with a notable practice in the labor and employment space. She has particular expertise in advising clients on the impact of using artificial intelligence in hiring processes.

  6. 5
    Gerald Pauling
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP
    Seyfarth Shaw LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Gerald Pauling represents employers in a range of matters including discrimination and harassment claims, class actions and advice on employment practices and policies.
  7. Gregory Abrams
    5
    Gregory Abrams
    Tucker Ellis LLP
    Tucker Ellis LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Gregory Abrams of Tucker Ellis LLP is best known for his expertise in representing employers in litigation against class and collection actions under the FLSA and state wage and hour laws. His experience also lends itself to other matters, including but not limited to trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty and discrimination claims.

  8. James Oh
    5
    James Oh
    Epstein Becker & Green PC
    Epstein Becker & Green PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked

    James Oh is renowned for advising clients on wage and hour class actions and discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims.

  9. 5
    Jon Zimring
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP
    Greenberg Traurig, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Chair of the firm's Chicago labor & employment practice, Jon Zimring assists large corporations with a whole host of matters in this space. He is noted for his experience in acting for clients in both disputes and an advisory role.

  10. Kirsten Milton
    5
    Kirsten Milton
    Jackson Lewis P.C.
    Jackson Lewis P.C. | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years Ranked

    Kirsten Milton is best known for her expertise in handling discrimination, wage and hour, wrongful termination and retaliation claims.

  11. Laura Balson
    5
    Laura Balson
    Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP
    Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked

    Laura Balson of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP is noted for her litigation experience, representing employers before state and local agencies. She is also able to provide transactional support in corporate matters.

    Key sectors
    Education|Financial Services|Health and Life Sciences|Property, Construction and Infrastructure
  12. Michael Ferrell
    5
    Michael Ferrell
    Epstein Becker & Green PC
    Epstein Becker & Green PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked
    Michael Ferrell assists clients with both labor and employment disputes, including wage and hour claims, collective bargaining and discrimination lawsuits.
  13. Peter Steinmeyer
    5
    Peter Steinmeyer
    Epstein Becker & Green PC
    Epstein Becker & Green PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 5 Years Ranked
    Peter Steinmeyer is well regarded for his expert handling of trade secrets and noncompete advice.
  14. 5
    Sarah K. Quinn
    Nixon Peabody LLP
    Nixon Peabody LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 1 Years Ranked

    Sarah Quinn is a partner in Husch Blackwell's labor and employment team. She is highly experienced in representing clients in wage and hour, discrimination and tortious interference matters, among others.

  15. Scott Gilbert
    5
    Scott Gilbert
    Polsinelli PC
    Polsinelli PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 8 Years Ranked

    Scott Gilbert of Polsinelli PC represents clients in high stakes labor and employment litigation including discrimination and restrictive covenant disputes. He also provides strategic employment counseling.

  16. Tiffany Fordyce
    5
    Tiffany Fordyce
    Reed Smith LLP
    Reed Smith LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 3 Years Ranked

    Tiffany Fordyce is an experienced labor and employment lawyer with key expertise in litigation, including single-plaintiff cases as well as class and collective actions.

  17. Tobias Schlueter
    5
    Tobias Schlueter
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC
    Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5 | 10 Years Ranked

    Tobias Schlueter is recognized for his employment litigation experience, including age discrimination cases and unfair competition matters. He co-chairs the unfair competition and trade secrets team at Ogletree.

  18. Jeffrey Piell
    C3 Legal | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Band 5
U

Up and Coming

  1. Brian Mead
    U
    Brian Mead
    McDermott Will & Schulte
    McDermott Will & Schulte | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Up and Coming | 3 Years Ranked
    Brian Mead is a skilled lawyer in the employment space, advising employers on discrimination, wrongful termination and breach of contract claims. He also assists them with the employment aspects of M&A and other transactions.
  2. Eddie Young
    U
    Eddie Young
    Proskauer Rose LLP
    Proskauer Rose LLP | Labor & Employment
    2026 | Up and Coming | 1 Years Ranked

    Eddie Young is noted for his experience in handling dispute regarding non-compete agreements and whistleblower retaliation cases for clients.