Chicago Employment Law Attorney

Representing Employees & Executives in Select Areas of Employment Law

For nearly two decades, the Law Offices of Fern Trevino has represented the interests of employees and executives in select areas of employment law. The firm is completely dedicated to preserving the rights of employees under applicable local, state and federal laws. The firm handles the following types of employment law cases:

Whistleblower Claims
A whistleblower claim arises when an employer retaliates against an employee because he reported, threatened to report or refused to participate in illegal or improper activities, such as those that threaten the health, safety or welfare of Illinois citizens

Wrongful Termination
Wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee for reporting, threatening to report or attempting to report illegal activity. For example, when an employer fires an employee for reporting age discrimination in the workplace, the employer has wrongfully terminated the employee.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, and is prohibited by federal, state and local laws. It may include such conduct as unwelcome sexual advances, and/or physical or verbal harassment that is sexual in nature. The law protects both males and females from sexual harassment in the workplace.

Discrimination
Workplace discrimination, or employment discrimination, occurs when an employee or applicant is treated less favorably than his peers because of the employee's race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religious beliefs or nationality. Discrimination may occur in the hiring process or may be related to compensation and benefits, promotions, job assignments or termination.

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
The FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period in order to care for themselves or their families. Eligibility is based on how long the employee has been employed and the size of the company.

Severance Agreements
A severance agreement is a legal agreement between an employer and employee regarding an employment separation or termination. The employer may require the employee to waive legal claims in exchange for severance pay and/or other benefits, depending on the specific situation.

Client Counseling
In addition to representing clients in the courtroom in arbitration and mediation, the Law Offices of Fern Trevino offers advice and counseling for employees with workplace concerns. A client can receive helpful guidance and information related to inappropriate or illegal conduct in the workplace, preparing for meetings with human resources, and advice on what to do if the client believes his or her rights have been violated.

Wage and Hour Claims
Chicago-area employees have specific rights related to wages, overtime, and legally-required work time breaks. If you believe your employer has violated the laws pertaining to minimum wages, overtime, or legally-required work time breaks, the Law Offices of Fern Trevino can offer legal guidance, support and representation.

Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment exists where an employee is subjected to an environment of hostility or harassment based on a protected category such as race or gender. An experienced employment law attorney can review the facts of your situation and applicable laws to determine how workplace conditions may be improved, and how you should be compensated for wrongdoing that has already occurred.

A Chicago Employment Lawyer Can Help

The firm's goal is to provide clients with high quality service and representation, and to obtain the best possible results for them. The firm achieves this through communication, teamwork and a clear understanding of the facts, the law and the client's goals. The firm takes an individual approach to each case, keeping clients fully informed throughout the process, and utilizing the team's experience and resources to the fullest extent.