- Theft
- Restraining OrderWe are committed to protecting our clients’ trade secrets and confidential business information. We have substantial experience handling complex trade secret matters in federal and state courts throughout the country, whether in enforcing trade secret obligations or defending against allegations of mis-use or disclosure. Time is frequently of the essence and companies need to act swiftly to prosecute or defend against these types of lawsuits. Our lawyers are nationally-recognized and experienced in acting on an emergency basis, including by seeking and defending against temporary restraining orders, injunctions and motions for expedited proceedings.
- Business DisputesWe represent the interests of employers in arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts, mediations, and in other alternative dispute resolution proceedings. The firm has extensive experience counseling employers and avoiding litigation through the use of such methods and has experience with the drafting, interpretation and application of contract clauses requiring them. For example, we represented a large Florida healthcare provider in one of the leading and first cases in the Northern District of Illinois compelling arbitration of private employment contract disputes under the Federal Arbitration Act.
- Limited Liability CompaniesSmith O’Callaghan & White represents a diverse group of business clients, including: large international corporations and Global 500 companies, Fortune 500 companies, limited liability companies and partnerships, manufacturers, medium and small businesses, financial concerns, professional entities and other law firms.
- Trade Secrets
- Intellectual PropertyMs. Stevens was the Co-Chair of Schiff Hardin’s Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants Client Service Team for more than ten years, as well as the long-standing Co-Chair of an American Bar Association Subcommittee on Trade Secrets. She has authored many papers, articles and book chapters regarding intellectual property protection and non-competition agreements, including the “Trade Secret Remedies” chapter of the Intellectual Property Handbook (IICLE) and various chapters of the Defend Trade Secrets Act Handbook (Wolters Kluwer). Ms. Stevens has twice been named one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Illinois by
- Unfair CompetitionWe frequently represent corporate clients who are concerned about employee raiding and pirating attempts by competitors, to prevent improper access to confidential business information, unfair competition or tortious interference with established employee, customer and vendor relationships. Such targeted attempt to decimate a workforce or particular office location can have devastating effects on a business. We have been very successful in handling such cases in federal and state courts throughout the United States.
- Wrongful TerminationThe firm provides ongoing support and counsel to clients addressing workplace misconduct, such as employee theft and other wrongdoing. We work with our clients and provide guidance during the investigation and decision-making processes to minimize exposure to wrongful discharge claims. The firm routinely counsels clients on compliance with employee privacy and employee surveillance laws. We have substantial experience defending the interests of our corporate clients on matters involving workplace defamation, libel and slander. Our success in this area includes establishing defamation law favorable to all Illinois employers on the defense of absolute privilege and the doctrine of compelled self-publication in employment-related defamation cases.
- Employment DiscriminationClaims of discrimination and harassment brought under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and other federal, state and local statutes, alleging discrimination based on race, gender, religion, national origin, pregnancy, disability, age and other protected classifications.
- Employment ContractWe are frequently called upon to defend breach of employment contract claims, including various issues that threaten to disrupt our clients’ businesses. We have been very successful in disposing of claims by former employees in both express and implied contract actions, as well as wage payment and collection act claims.
- Employment LitigationWe provide day-to-day counseling to clients addressing a wide range of labor and employment issues. We are frequently called upon to provide guidance and counsel on discipline and discharge decisions, reductions-in-force, administration of leaves of absence, responses to requests for reasonable accommodation and other potentially problematic employment decisions, particularly those that employers fear may result in litigation. Our attorneys provide expert and practical advice to employers concerning compliance with governing laws, required documentation and recommended procedures to allow clients to make necessary business decisions while minimizing the risk of liability.
- Non-compete AgreementSmith O’Callaghan & White is a boutique law firm representing corporate clients in all aspects of labor and employment law, with a particular focus on employment litigation in the federal and state courts and prosecution and defense of matters involving trade secrets and non-compete agreements.
- Severance Agreement
- Sexual HarassmentThe City of Chicago recently amended the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance to significantly increase workplace sexual harassment prevention requirements for employers in Chicago. Read More