Wanta Thorne was just what I and my family needed. There were patient, knowledgeable and great at explaining things in a easy to understand manor. I appreciate the responsiveness of all involved and I'm very satisfied their services.
Chicago employment lawyer
If you were fired, harassed, underpaid, or pushed out at a job in Chicago metro area, we can help. Our Chicago office serves employees across Illinois on state and federal employment law matters.
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- No fees unless we win
Our Illinois office
Who does Wanta Thome represent in Chicago?
Wanta Thome represents employees in Chicago and throughout Illinois on discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, unpaid wages, retaliation, and class action matters. We’re a plaintiff-side firm — we don’t represent employers. Conversations are free.
What we handle
So I got discriminated because I’m... Mexican
Discrimination
Standing up for workers treated unfairly because of who they are
At work, I have to deal with... being called slurs
Harassment
Holding employers accountable when the workplace becomes hostile or unsafe
I got fired after I... asked for medical leave
Wrongful Termination
When a firing crosses the line from unfair into illegal
My employer... didn’t pay me overtime
Unpaid Wages
Recovering pay that employers owe but haven’t paid
After I spoke up, my employer... fired me
Retaliation
When speaking up costs you your job, your hours, or your standing
I’m not the only one who... worked off the clock
Class Action
When one worker’s problem turns out to be many workers’ problem
Ready to find out where you stand?
Wherever you are in Illinois, the conversation is free.
Get free case reviewIllinois employment law
Illinois employees have protections under both federal and state law. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) covers discrimination in the workplace. The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act protects workers from wage theft and requires timely payment of earned wages. Illinois workers also have protections under the One Day Rest in Seven Act, and the state has strong whistleblower protections for workers who report illegal activity by their employers.
Not sure which laws apply to your situation?
That’s what we figure out with you.
Joni and her team are exceptional! I felt heard during the entire process, and that was extremely important to me as I was going through this difficult, and confusing period in my life. The communication is superb, and Joni will do everything possible to fight for you in your case. If you want an empathetic team that will go the extra mile for you in your employment matter, I strongly recommend Wanta Thome!
Luke was so wonderful! He talked me through any question I had or if I ever needed clarity. He was also extremely responsive, whether it was a quick reply to my email, or calling me to ensure I had an understanding. I would absolutely use Wanta Thome again if I ever had an issue, and would definitely recommend this firm to anyone who needs assurance. Thanks again!!
Recent results
- $12K
- Back wages and overtime recovered for a warehouse worker fired after asking about his missing paychecks.
- $45K
- Settlement reached for a housekeeper fired two weeks after telling her supervisor she was pregnant.
- 30 days
- From denial to restored benefits for a security guard fired after reporting unsafe conditions, restoring full benefits.
- $60K
- Settlement reached for a personal care assistant who was sexually harassed by a supervisor and fired after she reported it.
Ready to find out where you stand?
Five fields, no story needed yet — that comes on the follow-up call. Most people hear back within five minutes if Nina is enabled, or the same business day if not.
Your submission is confidential. We do not contact your employer.
Common questions
What is at-will employment in Illinois?
Illinois is an at-will state, so your employer can generally fire you without warning or a stated reason, and you can quit the same way. What at-will doesn’t allow is firing you for an illegal reason — discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing, or refusing to break the law.
Do I have to give two weeks’ notice in Illinois?
No. Illinois law doesn’t require notice from either side. It’s a professional courtesy, not a legal obligation, unless your employment contract says otherwise. Your employer can’t withhold wages you’ve already earned because you left without notice.
What is the Illinois Human Rights Act?
The IHRA is Illinois’s main anti-discrimination law. It protects more characteristics than federal law — including marital status, arrest record, and citizenship status — and covers employers with as few as one employee, where federal law generally requires fifteen or more.
What protections does the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act give me?
It requires employers to pay you the wages you’ve earned, on time, and limits what they can deduct from your paycheck. It also sets deadlines for final pay after you leave, with penalties when employers miss them.
How long do I have to file a discrimination claim in Illinois?
It depends on which law you use. Charges through the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the EEOC generally run 300 days. Because the clock starts when the discrimination happened, waiting can cost you options.