Illinois Employment Law Guide
Illinois offers strong employee protections with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and progressive workplace policies.
Quick Illinois Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in Illinois
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
Illinois Human Rights Act - 775 ILCS 5/
Filing Deadline: 300 days to file with Illinois Department of Human Rights | Employer Size: 1 or more employees
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 1 or more employees (strongest coverage)
- Protects employees, interns, and independent contractors
- Covers harassment by supervisors, coworkers, and third parties
- Mandatory sexual harassment training for employees and supervisors
- Comprehensive anti-retaliation protections
Available Remedies
- Unlimited compensatory damages
- Unlimited punitive damages
- Attorneys fees and costs
- Injunctive relief
- Back pay and front pay
- Reinstatement
Key Features of Illinois Law
Covers single-employee businesses
Mandatory annual sexual harassment training
Prohibits non-disclosure agreements for harassment
Extended statute of limitations
Covers harassment by customers and vendors
Strong whistleblower protections for reporting harassment
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
Illinois Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to Illinois employment laws and regulations.
Official Illinois Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date Illinois labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official Illinois Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: 820 ILCS 105/ - Minimum Wage Law and 820 ILCS 115/ - Wage Payment and Collection Act
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: 775 ILCS 5/ - Illinois Human Rights Act
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: 775 ILCS 5/2-102(D)
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: 740 ILCS 174/ - Whistleblower Act
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: 775 ILCS 5/2-102
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in Illinois
Important legislation that protects workers in Illinois.
Protection Laws
- Illinois Human Rights Act
- Illinois Equal Pay Act
- Illinois Whistleblower Act
- Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act
Important Limitations
- At-will employment with exceptions
- Complex regulatory environment
Employment Lawyers in Major Illinois Cities
Find local employment attorneys in these major Illinois metropolitan areas.
Chicago
Population: 2,693,976
Chicago employment law attorneys representing workers in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare against discrimination and wage theft.
Aurora
Population: 180,000
Aurora employment attorneys specializing in manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and logistics workplace violations in Illinois' second-largest city.
Rockford
Population: 148,000
Rockford employment attorneys specializing in aerospace, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense industry workplace violations in Illinois' third-largest city.
Joliet
Population: 150,000
Joliet employment attorneys specializing in transportation, logistics, petrochemicals, and manufacturing workplace violations in Will County's transportation hub.
Naperville
Population: 150,000
Naperville employment attorneys specializing in corporate headquarters, technology, professional services, and education sector workplace violations in one of America's best places to live.
Common Employment Issues in Illinois
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in Illinois.
Disability Discrimination
Facing disability discrimination? Know your rights and get the help you deserve.
Learn More →Age Discrimination
Over 40 and facing discrimination? We can help protect your rights in the workplace.
Learn More →Gender Discrimination
Experiencing gender discrimination? We can help you fight for equal treatment.
Learn More →Race Discrimination
Facing racial discrimination at work? Know your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Learn More →When to Contact a Illinois Employment Attorney
Don't wait if you're experiencing workplace violations. Early action can protect your rights.
Discrimination or Harassment
If you're being treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability.
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons or in violation of Illinois law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following Illinois wage laws.
Retaliation
If you're being punished for reporting violations or exercising your legal rights.
Family or Medical Leave Issues
If your employer is denying legally protected leave under Illinois or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in Illinois
Our employment attorneys understand Illinois law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.