The Law Offices of Michael M. Mulder is at the forefront of plaintiffs' employment litigation, successfully litigating large, complex and unique Title VII cases. Throughout the firm's history, we have focused on pursuing monetary and injunctive relief on behalf of those who have been discriminated against including on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, religion or disability. Our Chicago firm advocates for the rights of employees, representing both individual workers and classes of employees in a broad range of legal matters. We have the resources, experience and dedication to help employees pursue justice in the workplace. We represent clients throughout the legal process — in private negotiations, agency proceedings, mediation, arbitration and litigation — to protect their rights in the following areas:
Employment Discrimination
We represent employees in any protected class, including those who have suffered discrimination on the basis of:
- Race
- National origin
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
- Religion
- Marital status
- Military service obligations
For example, in Cremin v. Merrill Lynch & Co., No. 96-cv-3373 (N.D. Ill.), the firm was co-counsel with the Chicago civil rights firm Stowell & Friedman, Ltd, in a historic sex discrimination class action on behalf of female brokers at Merrill Lynch. The lawsuit, which helped engender a shake-up in the financial services industry's perceptions of women on Wall Street, alleged that Merrill Lynch discriminated against female employees as a group and denied them access to career opportunities that were offered to male employees. Our firm successfully negotiated settlements for approximately 150 of the class members.
As part of a class action against another brokerage house, US Bancorp Piper Jaffray, the firm won a jury verdict in a sex discrimination and retaliation claim, Lane v. Piper Jaffray Companies, No. 2:01-c-925 (E.D. Wisc.). The jury found that Piper Jaffray retaliated against a female broker after she filed a complaint of discrimination with the EEOC. The jury awarded Ms. Lane both compensatory and punitive damages.
We were also co-counsel with Stowell and Friedman litigating over 15 individual gender discrimination cases against Allstate Insurance Company on behalf of women in sales-related careers.
Other Employment Law Violations
In addition, we represent employees in cases involving:
Sexual harassment — Through a hostile work environment including unwanted sexual conduct or "quid pro quo" demands
Retaliation — Through wrongful termination, demotion and other unlawful practices for engaging in protected activity including reporting or complaining about an employer's illegal conduct
Job protected leaves of absence — Under disability leave or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for reasons including the birth or adoption of a child, one's own medical condition or that of a family member
Wage disputes — Regarding commissions, bonuses, stock options, equity or any other compensation
Wage and hour violations — Arising from violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws
False Claims Act — Including qui tam actions and whistleblower claims
Employment contracts — Negotiation of employment contracts, transition arrangements and severance agreements
The firm welcomes opportunities to build co-counsel relationships with other attorneys who seek a partner with experience in litigating employment law claims.
Contact Our Employment Litigation Lawyers In Chicago
To learn more about our firm or request a consultation focused on your employment law issues, please contact us by telephone or email.
