December 16, 2020

COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace

COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Workplace It appears that a COVID-19 vaccine will soon become readily available, and that raises many questions for employers and employees. An employee’s failure to be vaccinated could harm other employees in the same workplace and could put customers or the general public at risk. Employers […]
November 12, 2020

Employees Should Have an Attorney Review Separation Agreements

Employees Should Have an Attorney Review Separation Agreements Unfortunately, COVID-pandemic restrictions have forced many employers to make tough business and economic decisions, including terminating many employees. Such employees may, for the first time, be offered a Separation Agreement (or sometimes called a Severance Agreement). Who is entitled to a Separation […]
March 20, 2020

What the Emergency Family & Medical Leave Expansion Act Means for Your Business

What the Emergency Family & Medical Leave Expansion Act Means for Your Business On March 18, 2020, Congress passed and the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Among other things, there are two provisions providing paid leave to employees forced to miss work because of the COVID-19 outbreak: […]
December 28, 2016

New Illinois Laws for 2017

New Illinois Laws for 2017 The following are some of the new laws passed by the Illinois legislation and signed into law for 2017. HB 5913 – Requires licensed plumbers to complete 4 hours of continuing education each year HB 4562 – Amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to increase […]
September 28, 2016

Illinois Freedom to Work Act Restricts Non-Competes for Some Low Wage Workers

Illinois Freedom to Work Act Restricts Non-Competes for Some Low Wage Workers Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed into law the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (Public Act 099-0860). The Act prohibits private sector employers from entering into non-compete restrictions with “low-wage employees” and renders any such agreements “illegal and void.” […]
June 2, 2015

Wake-up Call to Employers About Unemployment Laws

Wake-up Call to Employers About Unemployment Laws A recent Illinois appellate court case reemphasises what employers need to do to oppose an unemployment claim. An employee was found by his supervisor asleep on duty as a security guard at O’Hare airport. The employer terminated the employee and the employee filed […]
February 10, 2015

The Latest Chapter on the Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois

The Latest Chapter on the Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois New Illinois cases further muddy the waters for enforcement of non-compete agreements. Last year we told you about the case of Fifield v. Premier Dealer Servs., Inc., 993 N.E.2d 938 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist.2013), in which the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District held that, absent other adequate consideration, an at-will employee’s […]
February 10, 2015

Illinois Enacts One of the Strongest Workplace Laws Protecting Pregnant Women and New Mothers

New Illinois statute protects pregnant women and new mothers form workplace discrimination. Effective January 1, 2015, pregnant women and new mothers have sweeping news protections from discrimination in hiring and in the workplace.  In a major shift, the Pregnancy Fairness Law (“Act”), 775 ILCS 5/1-103(L-5), amends the Illinois Human Rights Act […]
November 25, 2014

New Penalties for Wage-and-Hour Violations

New Penalties for Wage-and-Hour Violations Additional penalties for employers who fail to comply with wage payment requirements. A new Illinois law increases the fee amounts for employers ordered to pay unpaid wages to employees.  See Pub. Act 098-0527 (eff. Jan. 1, 2014) (amending 820 ILCS 115/14). The Illinois Wage Payment and […]
November 25, 2014

Employers Cannot Ask About Criminal History on Job Applications

Employers Cannot Ask About Criminal History on Job Applications Starting January 2015, a new Illinois law will prohibit criminal history questions on job applications. Beginning in January, employers of 15 or more employees won’t be allowed to require prospective employees to disclose their criminal history on a job application.  The “Job Opportunities […]
November 25, 2014

U.S. Department of Labor Reclassifying Interns as Employees

U.S. Department of Labor Reclassifying Interns as Employees If you are using “interns,” they may be reclassified as “employees.” Beware the U.S. Department of Labor is investigating and prosecuting small businesses, and David Letterman, for failing to pay minimum wage and overtime to interns. There are some circumstances under which […]
August 21, 2014

Legal Dictionary—Non-compete Agreement

What is a “non-compete agreement”? Non-compete agreements are contracts in which one party agrees not to compete in the marketplace against another party. Although most often seen in the employment context, non-compete agreements also often appear as part of buying and selling a business. In Illinois, courts generally start from […]
November 25, 2013

Charles G. Wentworth in the News

Charles G. Wentworth in the News Charles Wentworth was recently quoted discussing start-ups, non-compete agreements, ERISA, and art law. Lofgren & Wentworth, P.C. attorney Charles Wentworth was interviewed by the Daily Herald’s business columnist and blogger, Jim Kendall.  The article dealt with entrepreneurship and the potential pitfalls of starting a new business, […]
September 19, 2013

Illinois Employment Law Update

Illinois’ First Appellate District appears to change the rules for non-compete agreements. Small businesses routinely use non-compete agreements to lock down key employees and keep them from competing against their employers later on.  When drafted and executed properly, those agreements can be very useful tools for protecting your company’s client […]