Matthew B. Schiff leads the firm's Labor and Employment group. Matt represents management and executives in disputes claiming breach of contract, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and employment torts. He counsels clients in all aspects of employment and labor relations including wage and hour disputes, trade secrets, confidentiality, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.
Honors
Selected by peers as a Leading Lawyer in: Employment Law: Management (2017)
Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers (2005, 2007-2012, 2015-2020)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated; 5.0/5.0 Overall Client Rating – Martindale.com
AVVO 10/10 Rating
Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation (limited to 1/3 of 1% of Illinois Lawyers)
Fellow, American Bar Association College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers
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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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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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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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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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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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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02/11/2016
SFGH Attorneys Named 2016 Illinois Super Lawyers
Leading attorney rating service recognizes SFGH lawyers.
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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.
Speaking Engagements
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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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03/25/2021
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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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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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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07/25/2017
Matthew Schiff moderates webinar sponsored by the American Bar Association on Business Immigration
Partner Matthew Schiff, head of the firm labor and employment practice group, moderated a webinar sponsored by the American Bar Association on Business Immigration on July 25, 2017 The program featured immigration lawyers who advise businesses and Foreign Nationals on hiring and compliance with immigration law. Topics included verification, I-9 T documentation antidiscrimination issues, and work visas.
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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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08/05/2016
Matthew Schiff joined other panelists to speak on “Minefields in the Modern Employee Handbook” at the 2016 American Bar Association Annual Meeting
On August 5, 2016 Matthew Schiff joined other panelists to address key aspects, important issues and common pitfalls of the modern employee handbook. The panelists also addressed how to deal with and interpret the often conflicting rulings by the NLRB on wage & hour and other issues affecting employee policies in employment handbooks.
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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
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
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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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
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
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
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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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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05/09/2019
Jonathan P. Friedland, Howard M. Helsinger, Christopher J. Horvay, Matthew B. Schiff, Richard A. Sugar and Elizabeth B. Vandesteeg selected as 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers
SFGH congratulates Jonathan P. Friedland, Howard M. Helsinger, Christopher J. Horvay, Matthew B. Schiff, Richard A. Sugar and Elizabeth B. Vandesteeg for being selected as 2019 Illinois Super Lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine.
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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.
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02/09/2018
SFGH Confirms Chapter 11 Plan in Regional Hospital Bankruptcy
On February 9, 2018, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa confirmed the chapter 11 liquidation plan of Central Iowa Healthcare, a mid-sized hospital and clinic system based in Marshalltown, Iowa with a reach through three central Iowa counties. Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP, led by partner Mark S. Melickian, served as Special Healthcare Reorganization Counsel and led the engagement from filing through plan confirmation. Mark was assisted in the engagement by SFGH partners Michael Brandess and Matthew Schiff, and litigation associate Kathryn Nadro. In May 2017, SFGH took the Debtor through the sale of substantially all of its assets to Allen Health Systems, Inc., d/b/a UnityPoint Health – Waterloo, a transaction that allowed the hospital and clinics to remain open, saved hundreds of regional jobs, and won M&A Advisor’s 363 Sale of the Year award ($10 million - $25 million) for 2017.
Civic & Professional
Served as Special Assistant Attorney General representing Illinois Industrial Commission
Matthew B. Schiff's recent or notable engagements and experience includes:
Representing public sector, private sector, union and non-union employers in all Federal, State and local courts and agencies including EEOC, DOL, Chicago Commission on Human Relations, Cook County Commission on Human Relations and the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission
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Publications:
- Schiff, Matthew B., and Kathryn Nadro. Chapter 4: Responding to the Charge and the Complaint, in Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: A Practical Guide for Plaintiff and Defense. ABA Book Publishing, April 2019.
- Schiff, Matthew B., and Kathryn Nadro. Law and Employment Law Changes in the Trump Era, The Corporate Counselor: Law Journal Newsletters, Law.com. December 2017.
- Schiff, Matthew B., and Kathryn Nadro. Internal Whistleblowers. Law Journal Newsletters, Law.com. December 2017.
- Schiff, Matthew B., and Kathryn Nadro. Multiyear Public Sector Collective Bargaining Agreements following Illinois v. AFSCME, The American Bar Association Tort Trial Insurance Section – Employment Law & Litigation. Spring 2016.
- Schiff, Matthew B., Elizabeth (Lisa) Vandesteeg, and Tricia Schwallier. Private Equity Investment Funds, Beware!, The Corporate Counselor: Law Journal Newsletters, Law.com. August 2016.
- Schiff, Matthew B., and James W. Hulbert. Recent Developments in Employment Law. Legal Library, Martindale.com. April 2009.
- Schiff, Matthew B., and Linda C Kramer. Litigating the Sexual Harassment Case. 2nd ed. Chicago, Ill.: Tort and Insurance Practice Section, American Bar Association, 2000.
- Schiff, Matthew B. Survey of Illinois Law: Workers' Compensation. Southern Illinois University Law Journal, Volume 19, 1995.
- Schiff, Matthew B, Author. Aids, and the Health Care Worker. Gonzaga Law Review. Seminar Faculty, University of Wisconsin Management Institute.Gonzaga University Law Review, Volume 29, Number. 1 1994.
- Schiff, Matthew B. A Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Acting. Gonzaga Law Review, Volume 28, Number. 2 1993.
- Schiff, Matthew B, Company-Author. The Americans with Disabilities Acting: A New Challenge for Employers. The Tort and Insurance Law Journal, Volume XXVII, Number. l. Fall, 1991.
Illinois
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District
of Illinois, Trial Bar
U.S. District Court, Central District
of Illinois
J.D., Boston University
B.A., Cornell Univeristy
National Insitute of Trial Advocacy
Honors
Selected by peers as a Leading Lawyer in: Employment Law: Management (2017)
Selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers (2005, 2007-2012, 2015-2020)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated; 5.0/5.0 Overall Client Rating – Martindale.com
AVVO 10/10 Rating
Life Fellow, American Bar Foundation (limited to 1/3 of 1% of Illinois Lawyers)
Fellow, American Bar Association College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers