Public Sector Labor & Employment Law: SmithAmundsen

Practice Contacts

Julie Proscia

Attorneys

Our labor and employment group includes attorneys with a strong and dedicated practice focused on public sector labor and employment law. We understand the unique nature, circumstances, personalities, politics and substantive law matters concerning public sector clients and their workers.

Our attorneys have a comprehensive understanding of the governmental entities and the fiscal and political environment in which these clients operate. As such, we understand the effect labor and employment disputes have on a public entity’s ability to protect and serve. Our amply experienced attorneys cover the following matters:

Illinois Labor Relations Board matters
Illinois Educational Relations Board matters
Matters before the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
Unfair labor practice charges
Collective bargaining agreements and negotiations
Strikes and picketing
Grievances and arbitration
Responsible bidder laws and ordinances
Prevailing wage laws
HR Counseling
Affirmative Action Plans and Audit Defense
Free speech and related Constitutional Law matters
Employment litigation, including but not limited to Title VII and Title IX

News & Press Releases

Attorney John Hayes Joins SmithAmundsen's Labor & Employment Group
March 18, 2020
SmithAmundsen Ranks on Crain's Chicago Business' 2018 Largest Law Firms List
Crain's Chicago Business, October 25, 2018
Illinois Being Proactive with Sexual Harassment Task Forces -- Julie Proscia Quoted in Illinois Business Leader Magazine Article
Illinois Business Leader Magazine, March 7, 2018
Julie Proscia Appointed to Serve on Illinois Senate Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Awareness & Prevention
November 17, 2017
SmithAmundsen Celebrates 20 Years of Growth and Success
October 27, 2017
Carlos Arevalo Included Amongst McHenry County Business Leaders Sharing Strategies at 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes Event
Northwest Herald, September 27, 2017
SmithAmundsen Ranks on Crain's Chicago Business' Largest Law Firms List
Crain's Chicago Business, September 15, 2017
SmithAmundsen Recognized as a Top LGBT Law Firm by Equality Illinois for Fourth Year in a Row
Equality Illinois, August 1, 2017
29 SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included on 2017 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
SmithAmundsen, January 13, 2017
Elgin Likely to Forgo Minimum Wage Hike - Chicago Tribune Quotes Mike Wong
Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2016
SmithAmundsen Sponsors Institute for Law and the Workplace Scholarship for Chicago-Kent College of Law Students
October 2016
SmithAmundsen ranks on Crain’s Chicago Business’ Chicago Largest Law Firms List
Crain's Chicago Business, September 10, 2016
Eight SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included in Best Lawyers in America© 2017
August 15, 2016
SmithAmundsen Ranks 11 out of 100 Firms on The American Lawyer's “Best Places for Women” List
The American Lawyer, August 2016
SmithAmundsen Recognized as a Top LGBT Law Firm by Equality Illinois for Third Year in a Row
Equality Illinois, July 8, 2016
SmithAmundsen ranked 32nd on Law360's list of Top 100 Law Firms for Female Attorneys
Above the Law, April 18, 2016
SmithAmundsen Receives “A” Grade from the 2016 Above the Law Firm Gender Diversity Index
Above the Law, April 13, 2016

Blog

Labor & Employment Law Update: www.laborandemploymentlawupdate.com

Alerts

COVID-19 Relief Bill: FFCRA Leave Mandate Not Extended; Tax Credits Available for Voluntary Leave
December 22, 2020
STIMULUS 2.0: The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 – Key Provisions for Employers
December 22, 2020
Update: EEOC Issues Guidance Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines in the Workplace
December 16, 2020
CDC Now Provides Two Options for Shortened Quarantine Time
December 3, 2020
Can I Require My Employees to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
November 12, 2020
Can You Ask Employees Medical Questions during a Pandemic? The EEOC’s Guidance on Complying with the ADA during COVID-19
October 26, 2020
Time to Revisit Your Contact Tracing Protocols after CDC Redefines Close Contact as 15-Minutes Of Cumulative Exposure
October 22, 2020
DOL Issues Updated FFCRA Regulations
September 14, 2020
DOL Clarifies FFCRA Child Care Leave – More FFCRA Guidance Expected
September 10, 2020
IRS Issues Limited Guidance on Payroll Tax Deferral Option
August 31, 2020
I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask…Part 2: How Businesses Can Enforce the Policy Requirement
July 24, 2020
Employees Entitled to Leave Because Camp is Closed? Yes.
July 2, 2020
COVID-19 “Close Contacts” Just Got a Little Closer
July 1, 2020
ATTENTION Paycheck Protection Program Loan Recipients: REVISED Forgiveness Application Issued
June 23, 2020
Charting the Course for H-1Bs and Other Visas Through COVID-19
May 27, 2020
Another Symptom of COVID-19: Union Organizing
May 26, 2020
Key Takeaways for PPP Borrowers: The Forgiveness Application is Finally Out!!
May 18, 2020
Can I go to Jail if My Business Violates a Stay-at-Home Order?
May 18, 2020
Wisconsin Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order: Non-essential Businesses Prepare to Reopen
May 14, 2020
Wisconsin Strikes Down Stay-at-Home Order: Non-essential Businesses Prepare to Reopen
May 14, 2020
Benefit Plan Deadlines Extended – COBRA, Special Enrollment, Plan Disclosures and More
May 11, 2020
ADA Implications: I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask….
May 8, 2020
What if a Laid Off Worker Refuses to Return to Work under the PPP?
May 5, 2020
Must Employers Pay for Employee’s Temperature Screens in light of COVID-19? Wage and Hour Laws May Impact Employer Safety Procedures
May 5, 2020
What to do When Your Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
April 30, 2020
Missouri Announces Plan to Gradually Reopen Economic and Social Activity
April 28, 2020
Why You Need to Pay Attention to How the Feds Are Approaching the Meat and Poultry Processing Industry
April 28, 2020
Governor Pritzker Extends the Illinois Stay at Home Order through May 30, 2020
April 23, 2020
You Didn’t Get Your PPP Loan – What Now?
April 22, 2020
You Just Received Your PPP Loan Money. Now What?
April 17, 2020
EEOC Updates COVID-19/ADA Guidance As We Move Toward Reopening the Economy
April 17, 2020
Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19: Proving Work Comp Claims are Becoming Easier (with Illinois leading the way…)
April 13, 2020
CDC Issues New Relaxed Guidelines for Safety Practices for Essential Workers Potentially Exposed to COVID-19
April 10, 2020
Retirement Plan Relief for Employees under the CARES Act – Expanded Distributions and Loans
April 7, 2020
UPDATE – Does a “Shelter-in-Place” or “Stay-at-Home” Order Trigger Paid Sick Leave under the FFCRA?
April 6, 2020
Missouri Issues State-wide “Stay At Home” Order
April 4, 2020
US DOL Releases Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Temporary Regulations and Updates FAQ’s
April 3, 2020
WARN Act and its Implications for COVID-19 Layoffs and Furloughs
April 1, 2020
Does a “Shelter in Place” or “Stay at Home Order” Trigger Paid Leave under the FFCRA?
March 31, 2020
The Duty to Bargain During the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 31, 2020
U.S. DOL Issues Guidance on “Health Care Provider” and “Emergency Responder” Definitions for FFCRA Exclusions
March 30, 2020
U.S. DOL Issues Guidance on the FFCRA “Small Employer” Exemption and “Viability” Definition
March 30, 2020
Can Employers Use Existing Paid Leave Benefits to Offset Emergency Paid Sick Leave under the FFCRA?
March 27, 2020
Regular Rate of Pay under the FFCRA – It’s Not Necessarily the Base Wage
March 27, 2020
So You Want Some of the Fed Money? The Potential Price for Mid-Sized Businesses: A Labor Union
March 27, 2020
Counting to 500 Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
March 26, 2020
US DOL Releases FAQs re: the Families First COVID-19 Act (FFCRA) – April 1st Effective Date
March 25, 2020
What to Do When Your Employees Are Scared to Come to Work?
March 24, 2020
Wisconsin Issues Safer At Home Order in Response to COVID-19
March 24, 2020
DHS Relaxes I-9 Requirements for New-Hires Impacted by COVID-19 and USCIS Extends Timeframe for E-verify TNCs
March 24, 2020
Tax Breaks for Qualified Disaster Relief Payments to Employees
March 24, 2020
Missouri Mandates Social Distancing and St. Louis County and City Order “Stay At Home”
March 23, 2020
Legislative Tax Relief for Employers and Their Employees Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic
March 22, 2020
My Employee is Subject to a “Shelter-in-Place” Order – What Do I Do Now?
March 20, 2020
“Stay at Home” Order in Illinois
March 20, 2020
How Will An Employer’s Existing Paid Leave Policies Apply to The Families First Coronavirus Response Act Paid Leave Mandates
March 19, 2020
Feds Pass Revised Paid Leave & Other Employer Mandates in Response to Covid-19
March 18, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What It Means For Employers
March 15, 2020
In a Dramatic Turn, an Arbitrator Finds that the Substitutes Act Does Not Prohibit Municipality from Shutting Down Ambulance Services
May 23, 2018
The Survival of Abood v. Board of Education, Part 4
March 9, 2018
IL Senate Task Force on Sexual Harassment Delves into Both Public and Private Sector Issues
March 9, 2018

Publications

Conducting the Employment Practices Audit 2020 Edition
Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2020
Illinois Employment Law Handbook - 5th Edition
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, 2019
SCOTUS Overrules Abood in Janus v. AFSCME
The Newsletter of the Illinois State Bar Association's Section on Local Government Law, September 2018
Americans with Disabilities Act: Is Your Website Accessible?
Illinois State Bar Association Diversity Matters Newsletter , June 2017
Gender Identity Issues and Changes in the Workplace
Illinois Municipal League Review, April 2017
Illinois Employment Law Handbook, 4th Edition
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, 2016

Presentations & Events

Mandatory Vaccines in the Workplace
Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce; Crystal Lake, IL, February 11, 2021
Drafting and Litigating Restrictive Employment Covenants
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Webcast, January 28, 2021
COVID Safety & Health Concerns in the Workplace
Employee Benefits Association of Northern Illinois, Webcast, January 27, 2021
Mandatory Vaccines and Other Options for Employers During this Year’s Cold & Flu Season
Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, January 13, 2021
Nuts and Bolts of Discipline
36th Annual Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations Law Conference, Webcast, December 4, 2020
How Employees Can Better Manage this Year’s Cold & Flu Season
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, December 4, 2020
Election 2020 and the Merit Shop: How Should Merit Shop Contractors Prepare for Upcoming DOL Policy and Regulatory Actions?
Associated Builders and Contractors’ Legal and Policy Forecast Conference; Webcast, December 3, 2020
7th Annual New Laws Virtual Forum for Illinois Employers
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, December 2, 2020
To Mandate Vaccines or Not: What Employees Need to Understand
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, November 18, 2020
Reasonable Suspicion Training for Managers
Waubonsee Community College, Webcast, November 11, 2020
Impact of the 2020 Election on the Workplace
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, November 10, 2020
Business Owner's Guide to Preventing Gender Bias in the Workplace
Lorman Education Services, Webcast, November 3, 2020
BIPA: The Ongoing Threat of Employee Class Actions and Recent Developments
SmithAmundsen, Webcast, October 29, 2020
NEW IL Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Training: Train the Trainer
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Decatur, IL, October 29, 2020
Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance: Separating Fact from Fiction
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 28, 2020
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace for Employers – Are You Prepared Both Proactively & Reactively for the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act?
SmithAmundsen, Webcast, October 22, 2020
Drug Testing & Reasonable Suspicion Training in 2020
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 21, 2020
The Illinois Prevailing Wage Certified Transcript of Payroll
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 21, 2020
Illinois Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Chicago Healthcare Risk Management Society, Webcast, October 15, 2020
Illinois Minimum Wage & Overtime During these Unprecedented Times
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 13, 2020
Drug Testing & Reasonable Suspicion Training in 2020
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 9, 2020
Train the Trainer: Anti Sexual Harassment Training Mandatory in Illinois
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 8, 2020
Trends & Technical Issues Impacting Employment Based Immigration in Light of COVID-19 and the Election Year
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, October 6, 2020
Illinois Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Chicago Healthcare Risk Management Society, Webcast, September 24, 2020
NEW IL Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Training: Train the Trainer
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Marion, IL, September 16, 2020
The 7 Deadly Sins of Documenting Discipline
Clear Law Institute, Webcast, September 16, 2020
How to Confront and Discipline Employees in the Age of COVID-19
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, September 15, 2020
Conducting an Internal HR Audit in 2020 and Beyond
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, September 10, 2020
COVID-19 Executive Orders, Back-to-School and Other Concerns
Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois, Webcast, September 1, 2020
Illinois Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Training
Lorman Education Services, Webcast, August 27, 2020
Race, Religion, and Politics in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know
SmithAmundsen, Webcast, August 19, 2020
What Employers Need to Know Related to COVID-19 and Childcare
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, August 17, 2020
A Short Tutorial on the PPP Forgiveness Application
SmithAmundsen, Webcast, May 27, 2020
Re-Opening the Economy: Preparing to Return to the Workplace
The Chamber of Manitowoc County; Webcast, May 19, 2020
COVID-19: What Employers Can do to Diminish Work Comp Claims and Legal Exposures
St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, April 30, 2020
How Family First Coronavirus Response Act and CARES Impact Your Business
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Webcast, April 15, 2020
COVID-19 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: What Money is Available and How Can My Business Get It?
Associated Builders and Contractors of Illinois, Webcast, April 9, 2020
COVID-19 and the Remote Workforce: What Employers Need to Know
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Webinar, April 9, 2020
The Current and Potential Effects of the Coronavirus on Employers, Employees, and the Workplace
Clear Law Institute, Webcast, April 6, 2020
Human Resources Legal Advice You Need to Know Now
American Bus Association & USLAW Network, Webcast, April 3, 2020
COVID-19 Webinar Series: The Latest Local, State and Federal Mandates Impacting the Workplace
Presented by SmithAmundsen COVID-19 Task Force, March 18, 2020
Implications for Employers - Anti-Sexual Harassment Legal Compliance
Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Aurora, IL, January 28, 2020
The Illinois Construction Industry Legal Power Seminar – Fifth Annual
SmithAmundsen; Oak Brook, IL, January 23, 2020
How to Legally Handle Employee Terminations and Resignations
Lorman Education Services; Webcast, 2019
New IL Mandatory Anti-Sexual Harassment Training: Train the Trainer
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Glen Ellyn, IL, December 11, 2019
Illinois New Sexual Harassment Law - What Employers Need to Know
AssuredPartners, Seminar; Westchester, IL, December 9, 2019
Recreational Marijuana and Its Impact on the Illinois Workplace Examined
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Decatur, IL 62521, October 16, 2019
Illinois Recreational Marijuana Law: Impact on the Workplace
Corkill Insurance Agency, Webinar, October 10, 2019
Preparing for Tomorrow's Problems Today: Marijuana, Wellness, Benefits and More
SmithAmundsen; Lombard, IL, September 25, 2019
Significant Illinois Legislation Changes Coming: Harassment and Discrimination
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Chicago, IL 60606, September 19, 2019
New Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Legal Updates
Lorman Education Services; Webinar, September 18, 2019
Recreational Marijuana and its Impact on the Illinois Workplace Examined
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Peoria, IL, September 12, 2019
How to Document and Terminate in YOUR Industry
SmithAmundsen, Webinar, August 21, 2019
Recreational Marijuana and Its Impact on the Illinois Workplace Examined
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Glen Ellyn, IL, August 20, 2019
Recreational Marijuana and the Construction Industry
Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois; Webinar, August 8, 2019
Latest Labor Law Developments
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Webinar, August 6, 2019
Employment Law Update for Businesses in IL & IN
Webinar; Illinois Chamber of Commerce, July 31, 2019
Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act - What Employers Need to Know
Webinar; Illinois Chamber of Commerce, July 25, 2019
EEOC Pay Data Collection
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Webinar, July 23, 2019
EEOC Pay Data Collection
Webinar; Illinois Chamber of Commerce, June 23, 2019
Institute for Law and the Workplace Employment Law Conference
Chicago, IL; Chicago-Kent College of Law, June 4, 2019
Workplace Violence - Preparing for, Addressing During and Managing Afterwards
Illinois Fox Valley SHRM; Elgin, IL, April 18, 2019
Safety Forum 3/20/19: Active Shooter
VIA Education Center, Geneva, IL; Valley Industrial Association, March 20, 2019
The Current State of Sexual Harassment Legislation in the Wake of the #MeToo Movement
Chicago, IL; Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference, September 21, 2018
The Aftermath of Janus v. AFSCME and the Future of Public Sector Unions
Chicago, IL; Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference, September 20, 2018
Calling All Public Sector Employers: SCOTUS Reverses Janus – What You Need To Know
SmithAmundsen, Webinar, July 9, 2018
Year 1 of the Trump Administration
EBANI; Rockford, IL, April 25, 2018
Hiring and Firing: Doing it Right
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Glen Ellyn, IL, February 27, 2018
Social Media and Municipalities – Should We Swipe Left or Right?
Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference; Chicago, IL, September 22, 2017
EEOC & State Agency Update: 2017 Strategic Plan and Charge Handling
Illinois Municipal League Annual Conference; Chicago, IL, September 21, 2017
HR 101- Summarizing Fundamental Laws and Compliance Tips
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Webinar, September 12, 2017
Independent Contractors, Interns, Temporary Workers, and Leased Employees: HR Policies and Compliance Tips
Clear Law Institute; Webinar, August 1, 2017
Prevailing Wage in Illinois - What's Changed for Employers?
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Springfield, IL, July 19, 2017
Guidance on Balancing the Reasonable Accommodation Process and the ADA/FMLA/Workers’ Compensation Overlap
Clear Law Institute; Webinar, July 19, 2017
Essential Training for the Effective Supervisor
Illinois Chamber of Commece; Effingham, IL, July 13, 2017
Changes in Cook County Laws and How to Protect Yourself
Illinois Restaurant Association; Chicago, IL, May 31, 2017
HR Pros & Business Owners: Are You Compliant with the ADA’s Current Guidelines?
SmithAmundsen, Seminar; Chicago, IL, May 11, 2017
Supervisor Training for Effective Management
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Naperville, IL, April 27, 2017
Missouri Becomes the 28th Right-to-Work State: What You Need to Know!
SmithAmundsen, Webinar, April 19, 2017
The New Administration: Impact on the Workplace‎ Examined
SmithAmundsen, Seminar; Chicago, IL, February 16, 2017
New HR Laws Update
Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Webinar, January 31, 2017
HR Bootcamp – Peoria
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar; Peoria, IL, January 26, 2017
Human Resource Law: What You Need to Know Now
National Business Institute, Seminar; Chicago, IL, December 5, 2016
Leaves of Absence
Chicago-Kent College of Law, Conference; Chicago, IL, December 2, 2016
New Laws Forum for Illinois Employers
Illinois Chamber of Commerce, Seminar, November 30, 2016
U.S. Department of Labor New Overtime Pay Rule
National Automatic Merchandising Association, Webinar, November 15, 2016
ELECTION 2016: Impact on the Workplace‎ Examined
SmithAmundsen Chicago, IL; Webinar, November 10, 2016