The Labor & Employment team at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP provides counsel and litigation expertise to employers, from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies and executives in transition. We work closely with management to achieve their goals in managing their workforce. Our attorneys prepare and review offer letters, employee handbooks, employment policies and employment contracts including non-compete, non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements. When disputes arise, we represent our clients in every legal forum, from local, state and federal agency investigations, and if necessary, through trial and appeal in State and Federal Court.
We serve as trusted advisors to owners, executives, managers, Human Resource departments and in-house counsel. Our employment lawyers have successfully represented employers in wrongful discharge, trade secret protection, reductions in force, defamation, wage and hour compliance, FMLA administration, alternative dispute resolution including mediation and binding arbitration and workers compensation trials.
Our labor and employment attorneys frequently visit our clients where they work – offering customized on-site training in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Training sessions include preventing claims of harassment based on age, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, marital status and other protected characteristics.
We assist our clients in planning for reorganizations and plant closings while minimizing cost and risk. We also work with our clients in risk management including Employment Practices Liability Insurance, Indemnification agreements and other risk-shifting strategies.
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Kathryn Nadro- (312) 704-2773
- Email Kathryn
- Kathryn's vCard
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Matthew B. Schiff- (312) 704-2171
- Email Matthew
- Matthew's vCard
Publications
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01/12/2021
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff Co-Authors "Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Injury in the Workplace: Paths to Recovery In and Outside of Workers Compensation"
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff Co-Authors "Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Injury in the Workplace: Paths to Recovery In and Outside of Workers Compensation."
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06/22/2020
UPDATE – SFGH Client Alert – Supreme Court Rules Title VII Prohibits Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
UPDATE – SFGH Client Alert – Supreme Court Rules Title VII Prohibits Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
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03/20/2020
Jeremy Waitzman and Hajar Jouglaf author "No, It’s Not Martial Law: How Illinois’ COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order Will Affect Your Business"
SFGH's Jeremy Waitzman and Hajar Jouglaf answer your questions about Illinois' recently issued COVID-19 shelter-in-place order in "No, It’s Not Martial Law: How Illinois’ COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order Will Affect Your Business."
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06/17/2019
Matthew Schiff & Kathryn Nadro co-author "Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense - Chapter 4: Responding to the Charge and the Complaint"
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger partner Matthew Schiff & associate Kathryn Nadro recently co-authored a chapter in the book "Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense." This is the fourth edition of the book published by the American Bar Association. In this book, Matthew and Kathryn guide how to respond to a charge and complaint when handling claims alleging harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. This much-needed resource provides critical background and best practices for attorneys who litigate cases on behalf of plaintiff/employees and defendants/employers.
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02/25/2019
SFGH Partner Adam Grais compares the tax benefits to real estate investors of 1031 Exchanges and the new Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds
SFGH Partner Adam Grais compares the tax benefits to real estate investors of 1031 Exchanges and the new Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds.
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12/01/2017
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the December 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Law and Employment Law Changes in the Trump Era.”
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the December 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Law and Employment Law Changes in the Trump Era.” Schiff and Nadro describe some of the many changes the Trump Administration has brought to regulation and enforcement in the labor and employment arena, including reversals of Obama administration policies on wage and hour law, Title VII protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, and the use of arbitration clauses in employment agreements.
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10/30/2017
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro author article entitled “Internal Whistleblowers: SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape” for the October 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor
Matthew B. Schiff and Kathryn C. Nadro authored an article appearing in the October 2017 edition of The Corporate Counselor entitled “Internal Whistleblowers: SCOTUS Review of Dodd-Frank to Change the Landscape.” The article analyzes Digital Realty Trust Inc. v. Somers, a case appearing before the Supreme Court this term. The Supreme Court’s ruling is highly anticipated as it will clarify the interplay between whistleblower protections under the Dodd-Frank Act versus the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and potentially redefine how employers respond to internal whistleblowers.
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02/08/2017
Mark Melickian authors “Mission Impossible? Addressing WARN Act Liability in Liquidating Mid-Market Cases” in the Bankruptcy Strategist
The January 2017 issue of the Bankruptcy Strategist published an article by Mark Melickian entitled, “Mission Impossible? Addressing WARN Act Liability in Liquidating Mid-Market Cases.”
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08/02/2016
Matthew Schiff has been appointed as Member of the Section Conference Task Force, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP (SFGH) partner, Matthew Schiff, has been appointed as a member to the Section Conference Task Force of the ABA’s TIPS.
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08/02/2016
Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg, Matthew Schiff and Tricia Schwallier publish article in the August 2016 edition of The Corporate Counselor, a Law Journal Newsletter, entitled, “Private Equity Investment Funds, Beware!”
The August 2016 edition of The Corporate Counselor, a Law Journal Newsletter, features an article by Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg, Matthew Schiff and Tricia Schwallier entitled, “Private Equity Investment Funds, Beware!”
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05/10/2016
Matthew Schiff and Kathryn Nadro publish article in American Bar Association
The Spring 2016 issue of The American Bar Association Tort Trial Insurance Section - Employment Law & Litigation features an article by Matthew Schiff and Kathryn Nadro entitled, "Multiyear Public Sector Collective Bargaining Agreements following Illinois v. AFSCME"
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06/11/2015
Matthew Schiff quoted in Business Insurance magazine article entitled, "Illinois comp reform proposal worries employers, insurers."
Matthew Schiff quoted in Business Insurance magazine article entitled, "Illinois comp reform proposal worries employers, insurers."
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10/01/2014
Matthew B. Schiff to Chair Labor and Employment Practice at Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP proudly announces the addition of Matthew B. Schiff as Chair of the firm's Labor and Employment Practice.
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09/24/2013
Richard Sugar published in Illinois State Bar Association Newsletter on the enforcement of non-compete agreements in Illinois
In this article in the September, 2013 edition of the Illinois State Bar Association newsletter, Richard Sugar discusses recent Illinois Appellate Court cases that shape the landscape in Illinois regarding the lengths to which employers can go to protect their customers, clients, patients, and marketplace from competition originating from former employees.
Speaking Engagements
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03/30/2022
Jonathan Friedland to feature on “Bankruptcy Intersections 2022: The Intersection of Bankruptcy and… Labor/Employment Law”
Jonathan Friedland to feature on “Bankruptcy Intersections 2022: The Intersection of Bankruptcy and… Labor/Employment Law”
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02/28/2022
SFGH’S Matthew B. Schiff to moderate panel at the ABA’s Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar
SFGH’s Matthew B. Schiff will moderate a panel titled “Sexual Harassment as a Work-Related Injury (Post #MeToo)” at the American Bar Association’s Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar in New Orleans from March 4–5, 2022. The panel will discuss how sexual harassment in the work-place may qualify as a work-related injury while still qualifying for Title VII coverage. The panel will take place at the Westin Canel Place at 2:45 PM on Friday, March 4th. In addition to Matthew as moderator, the panel will consist of Elizabeth Smith, Council at Verill Dana, and Marla A. Joseph, Esq., of the Law Offices of Marla A. Joseph, L.L.C.
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03/31/2021
SFGH Partner Jack O'Connor participates in Financial Poise webinar "Cannabis Legal & Business Issues for Employers & Employees"
SFGH Partner Jack O’Connor will be moderating a discussion of key legal issues presented by the legalization of cannabis in so many states across the US. The webinar entitled "Cannabis Legal & Business Issues for Employers & Employees" is April 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST.
Jack will be joined by panelists Ruth Rauls, Emily Farr, and Chuck Krugel for this webinar.
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03/25/2021
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff serves as guest judge in 2021 National Appellate Advocacy Competition (NAAC) National Finals
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff will serve as a judge at the American Bar Association, National Moot Court Competition. The competition will take place on April 9, 2021. The Judges are selected from lawyers and Judges from across the country. They will be sitting as the US Supreme Court and will hear argument on the First Amendment Rights of Public Employees. Judges will then grade the advocates and provide feedback.
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03/31/2020
Matthew Schiff featured on “COVID-19 And The Workforce Webinar”
On Thursday, April 2, SFGH partner Matthew Schiff will feature on “COVID-19 And The Workforce Webinar” to discuss how the labor and workforce landscape has changed in the face of COVID-19. The webinar, hosted by Hispanic Professional Network, will cover the benefits for employees and employers impacted by the pandemic, the long-term and short-term implications the novel coronavirus will have on business, and how to avail yourself to city, state, and federal relief.
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03/11/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff participated as a panelist in the ABA's Litigation Section roundtable "What’s New in Employment Law for 2020"
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff participated as a panelist in an ABA roundtable discussion February 26, 2020 titled "What’s New in Employment Law for 2020." Matt discussed independent contractor misclassification issues.
The ABA Litigation Section Employment & Labor Relations Committee hosted this Roundtable discussion to explore hot topics and emerging trends in employment litigation and regulation. Among the topics discussed were independent contractor misclassification issues, impacts from the DOL’s changes to the “white collar” exemption rules, the FLSA’s regular rate of pay to determine overtime, and the gig economy.
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02/05/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to moderate panel at the ABA’s Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar
At the ABA's Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Mid-Winter Seminar in New Orleans on March 27 and 28, 2020, SFGH partner Matthew Schiff will moderate a panel titled Sexual Harassment as a Work-Related Injury (Post #MeToo).
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09/26/2019
Kathryn Nadro to speak at the ABA Construction & Data Privacy Regional Conference
On October 10, 2019, SFGH associate Kathryn Nadro will speak on the Cybersecurity and Privacy Risks for the Construction Industry panel at the ABA Construction & Data Privacy Regional Conference.
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04/25/2019
Matthew Schiff to speak on webinar: "An Ounce of Prevention: Policies, Procedures and Proactivity" as part of its 2019 series, “HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Boot Camp”
In this second episode of the 2019 series, “HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Boot Camp,” SFGH partner Matthew Schiff presents practical advice for employers looking to put themselves in the best position possible to defend against employment-related claims.
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04/01/2019
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to present at Financial Poise webinar entitled “HR, Talent Management and Employment Law Boot Camp 2019”
SFGH Partner Matthew Schiff to speak on West LegalEdcenter/Financial Poise's Webinar "Welcome to the Team! Recruiting and Hiring, Including Restrictive Covenants" as part of its 2019 series "HR, Talent Management & Employment Law Bootcamp 2019."
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04/18/2018
SFGH is pleased to announce that partner Michael A. Brandess will speak at a West LegalEd Center/Financial Poise webinar titled “Employment Law – 101.”
On May 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., SFGH partner Michael A. Brandess will speak at a West LegalEd Center/Financial Poise webinar titled “Employment Law – 101.”
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03/05/2018
SFGH partner Jonathan Friedland speaks at West LegalEd Center webinar titled “The Intersection of Bankruptcy and … Labor / Employment Law.”
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP is pleased to announce that on March 5th, partner Jonathan Friedland spoke at a West LegalEd Center webinar titled “The Intersection of Bankruptcy and … Labor / Employment Law.”
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07/26/2017
Matthew Schiff and Michael Traison speak at the Union League Club on "Employment Law for the General Practitioner or In House Counsel".
Partner Matthew Schiff, head of the firm labor and employment practice group, and Michael Traison, a partner in the bankruptcy group speak at the Union League Club on “Employment Law for the General Practitioner or In House Counsel" on July 26th. The program focused on recent developments in this rapidly changing field, including the new paid sick leave law, pregnancy accommodation, discrimination and retaliation.
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04/12/2017
Michael Brandess moderates and Matthew Schiff sits as a panelist for the third episode in a series of webinars entitled One Hour Law School 1.0 – Tell Me What I Need to Know: Labor & Employment Law in an Hour for West LegalEd Center.
On April 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer LLP partner Michael Brandess moderates and partner Matthew Schiff sits as a panelist for the third in a series of webinars for West LegalEd Center titled One Hour Law School 1.0 – Tell Me What I Need to Know. The overall series explores the essential building blocks of important legal concepts facing business people. Episode #3 will provide a one-hour overview of the fundamental understanding or labor and employment law for any business, large or small.
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05/11/2016
Matthew Schiff speaks on a Financial Poise/West LegalEdcenter webinar titled Roadmap to Buying a (Competing) Business
On May 11, 2016 Matthew Schiff of Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Hammer joined other panelists from Crowe Horwath, Lotzer Law Group and Avalon Net Worth to discuss the steps needed for successful evaluation of a potential purchase opportunity.
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04/11/2016
Matthew Schiff moderated and spoke at ABA Midwinter meeting panel entitled "60 Tips in 60 Minutes"
On April 11, 2016, Matthew Schiff moderated and spoke at the American Bar Association Midwinter meeting of the Worker's Compensation Committees of the Section on Labor and Employment Law and Tort Trial and Insurance Practice.
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02/10/2016
Matthew Schiff spoke on a Webinar for Financial Poise under the program "Legal and Practical Advice - Starting A Business"
On February 10, 2016, Matthew Schiff spoke on a webinar for Financial Poise entitled "Legal and Practical Advice - Starting a Business."
News
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06/13/2022
Matthew Schiff appointed as Vice-Chair of the Employment and Labor Law General Committee of ABA’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
SFGH's Matthew (“Matt”) Schiff was appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Employment and Labor Law General Committee for the 2022-2023 bar year. Matt leads SFGH’s Labor and Employment group, where he represents management and executives in disputes claiming breach of contract, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and employment torts. He is also a fellow of the ABA College of Workers Compensation Lawyers, a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and A-V rated in Employment Law. Matt regularly speaks at conferences and publishes books and law review articles on emerging employment and labor law topics.
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07/23/2021
SFGH partner Matthew Schiff appointed as Vice-Chair of the Employment and Labor Law General Committee of ABA’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section
SFGH partner Matthew (“Matt”) Schiff was appointed as the Vice-Chair of the Employment and Labor Law General Committee for the 2021-2022 bar year. Matt leads SFGH’s Labor and Employment group, where he represents management and executives in disputes claiming breach of contract, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and employment torts. He is also a fellow of the ABA College of Workers Compensation Lawyers, and he regularly speaks at conferences and publishes books and law review articles on emerging employment and labor law topics.
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07/22/2020
SFGH Partner Matthew B. Schiff Honored as 25-Year Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Rated Attorney
SFGH Partner Matthew B. Schiff Honored as 25-Year Martindale-Hubbell® AV-Rated Attorney.
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10/07/2019
Matthew Schiff Rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being awarded the highest possible rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards by Martindale-Hubbell.
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10/02/2019
New Workplace Transparency Act Requires Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training for All Illinois Employers
The Illinois Human Rights Act (the “Act”) has been amended to expand workplace mandates to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Effective January 1, 2020, all Illinois employers will have to provide annual sexual harassment training and written policies for their employees. The new law is called the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Human Rights Act Amendments (“IHRA”)
The Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”) was recently amended to expand employer obligations by providing additional protections for employees alleging discrimination.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Equal Pay Act (“IEPA”)
The Illinois Equal Pay Act (“IEPA”) prohibits employers from paying a lesser wage based on gender. The recent amendments effective on January 1, 2020, will prohibit an employer from paying a lesser wage based on gender for the same or similar work, performed under the same or similar working conditions.
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10/02/2019
Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance
The Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) requires large employers to provide covered employees with at least two (2) weeks advance notice of their work schedules and compensate workers for last-minute changes. The Ordinance takes effect for most employers on July 1, 2020.
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10/02/2019
Victims’ Economic Security & Safety Act ("VESSA")
The amendments to VESSA (effective January 1, 2020) will expand the protections to include victims of gender violence.
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10/02/2019
Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act ("BIPA")
Enacted in 2008, the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”) (740 ILCS 14/1, et seq.) regulates private employer use of biometric identifiers and biometric information.
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06/27/2019
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice-Chair to the Employment and Labor Law General Committee, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)
Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP (SFGH) partner Matthew Schiff has been appointed as Vice-Chair to the Employment and Labor Law General Committee, of the American Bar Association (ABA) Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS).
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05/17/2018
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice Chair of the American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Employment and Labor Law Committee.
SFGH congratulates partner Matthew Schiff on being appointed Vice Chair of the American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Employment and Labor Law Committee.