The workplace should be a fair and safe environment for all employees. However, issues such as wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, wage disputes, and harassment are unfortunately common. At the Illinois Balanced and Restorative Justice Project (IBARJI), we are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees and employers by providing comprehensive employment law services throughout Illinois.

Our approach to employment law is grounded in restorative justice, meaning we strive to resolve workplace conflicts in a fair and balanced manner while ensuring justice and accountability for all parties. Whether you are an employee facing workplace mistreatment or an employer seeking legal compliance guidance, our team is here to help.

Understanding Employment Law in Illinois

Employment law encompasses a wide range of legal rights and responsibilities that govern the relationship between employees and employers. Key areas of employment law in Illinois include:

✅ Wrongful Termination – Protecting employees from illegal firings.
✅ Workplace Discrimination – Addressing discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, and more.
✅ Wage and Hour Laws – Ensuring fair pay, overtime, and benefits.
✅ Sexual Harassment – Preventing and addressing workplace harassment.
✅ Workplace Retaliation – Defending employees against employer retaliation.
✅ Whistleblower Protections – Protecting employees who report illegal activities.

At IBARJI, we help individuals and businesses navigate workplace laws to ensure compliance, fairness, and justice.

Our Employment Law Services

We offer comprehensive legal services for both employees and employers, providing legal representation, dispute resolution, and compliance guidance.

1. Wrongful Termination

Illinois follows at-will employment, meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason. However, wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as:

✅ Discrimination (race, gender, disability, etc.)
✅ Retaliation for reporting misconduct
✅ Violation of employment contracts
✅ Refusing to participate in illegal activities

Our legal team helps wrongfully terminated employees seek justice, including reinstatement, compensation, and legal action.

2. Workplace Discrimination

Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on:

✅ Race, color, or ethnicity
✅ Gender and sexual orientation
✅ Disability and medical conditions
✅ Pregnancy and family status
✅ Religion and national origin
✅ Age (40+) under the ADEA

If you have experienced workplace discrimination, we can help you file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) while pursuing legal remedies.

3. Wage and Hour Disputes

Employees have the right to fair wages and overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Illinois wage laws. Common wage-related violations include:

✅ Failure to pay minimum wage
✅ Unpaid overtime (time-and-a-half pay for over 40 hours/week)
✅ Employee misclassification (exempt vs. non-exempt workers)
✅ Illegal paycheck deductions

If you are owed wages, we can help you recover unpaid earnings and ensure compliance with Illinois labor laws.

4. Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms, including:

✅ Unwanted sexual advances or inappropriate behavior
✅ Quid pro quo harassment (job benefits in exchange for favors)
✅ Hostile work environment (offensive jokes, comments, or images)
✅ Retaliation for reporting harassment

Illinois has strict laws against workplace harassment, requiring employers to provide anti-harassment training. If you have been harassed at work, we help you file complaints and pursue legal action against perpetrators.

5. Workplace Retaliation

Employers cannot punish employees for engaging in legally protected activities, such as:

✅ Filing complaints about discrimination or harassment
✅ Reporting unsafe work conditions
✅ Refusing to participate in illegal activities
✅ Whistleblowing on company fraud or misconduct

If you have faced retaliation, such as job termination, demotion, or harassment, we help you take legal action and seek compensation.

6. Whistleblower Protections

Employees who expose fraud, safety violations, or illegal activities should not face retaliation. Illinois has strong whistleblower protection laws, ensuring that employees who report misconduct are legally protected.

We assist whistleblowers in:

✅ Filing complaints with state and federal agencies
✅ Seeking job protection or reinstatement
✅ Pursuing financial compensation for retaliation

Whistleblowing plays a vital role in corporate accountability, and we ensure your rights are protected.

7. Employment Contracts & Agreements

We help employees and employers negotiate and review contracts, including:

✅ Employment agreements – Ensuring fair terms and conditions.
✅ Non-compete agreements – Reviewing enforceability of restrictions.
✅ Severance agreements – Securing fair severance pay and benefits.
✅ Independent contractor agreements – Ensuring proper worker classification.

Whether you need a contract reviewed or a dispute resolved, our legal team provides expert contract law services.

8. Workers’ Compensation and Workplace Safety

Illinois law requires employers to provide a safe work environment and offer workers’ compensation for on-the-job injuries. We help injured workers:

✅ File workers’ compensation claims
✅ Appeal denied claims
✅ Seek medical benefits and wage replacement
✅ Pursue legal action against negligent employers

If your employer has denied your rightful workers’ compensation benefits, we fight for your legal rights and fair compensation.

Legal Assistance for Employers

IBARJI also provides employment law services to business owners and employers, helping them:

✅ Develop fair workplace policies
✅ Draft employee handbooks and contracts
✅ Ensure compliance with labor laws
✅ Defend against wrongful termination and discrimination claims

We help employers navigate labor laws to avoid legal disputes and costly lawsuits.

Why Choose IBARJI for Employment Law?

At IBARJI, we believe in fairness, equality, and justice for all workers and businesses. Here’s why clients trust us:

✅ Experienced Employment Law Attorneys – Decades of experience handling Illinois labor laws.
✅ Restorative Justice Approach – Focusing on fair resolutions while holding wrongdoers accountable.
✅ Personalized Legal Solutions – We tailor our strategies to your unique case.
✅ Aggressive Legal Representation – We fight for maximum compensation and workplace fairness.
✅ Free Initial Consultation – No-cost case evaluations to explore your legal options.

We are committed to protecting workplace rights and ensuring compliance with employment laws.

Contact IBARJI for Employment Law Assistance

If you are dealing with workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, wage disputes, or harassment, IBARJI is here to help. Our legal team fights for justice, ensuring that employees and employers are treated fairly under Illinois employment laws.

📞 Call Us Today: +1 412-581-6739
📧 Email Us: info@ibarji.org

Let us help you protect your rights and secure justice in the workplace. Contact us today for a free consultation!