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Illinois Appellate Court Clarifies Employer Liability and Pleading Standards Under the Gender Violence Act

In a significant decision for employees across Illinois, the First District Appellate Court in Doe v. TK Behavioral, LLC, 2026 IL App (1st) 251028, clarified both the scope of employer liability and the pleading standards under the Illinois Gender Violence Act (GVA). This ruling is particularly important for claims involving workplace sexual assault and gender-based violence in Chicago and throughout Illinois, as it confirms that the statute provides meaningful protections beyond traditional common law limitations. In Doe v. TK Behavioral,...

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness, support survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to accountability and justice.

Caffarelli & Associates is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment and assault in the workplace and beyond. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we are here to provide compassionate and experienced representation every step of the way. If you or someone you know has been affected, we encourage you to seek support and learn more about your rights and options.

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Illinois Supreme Court Expands Pay Rights for Pre-Shift Work Under Wage Law

In a major win for Illinois workers, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that employees may be entitled to pay for required pre-shift and post-shift activities—even when federal law would not require compensation. The landmark ruling strengthens employee rights to compensation for required workplace activities. In Johnson v. Amazon.com Services, LLC, the court addressed whether the Illinois Minimum Wage Law adopts a major limitation from federal law that excludes certain “preliminary” and “postliminary” activities from paid time. The court answered no....

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Figueroa and the Fight Over Who Gets to Enforce Workplace Rights in Illinois

A recent Cook County decision in Figueroa v. Visual Pak Holdings, LLC  (available at Figueroa v Visual Pak 3_6_26-1-Opinion) could have major consequences for temporary workers in Illinois and for the organizations that help them enforce their rights. In March 2026, the court held that Section 67 of the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act (IDTLSA)—the provision allowing an “interested party” to sue over alleged violations—was unconstitutional. The court concluded that the statute improperly gave private organizations authority that...

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Whitney L. Barr Featured in CBA Record

Caffarelli & Associates associate attorney Whitney L. Barr is featured in the March/April 2026 issue of the CBA Record, where she explores the important role juries should play in sexual-harassment cases. Whitney argues that courts too often dismiss these claims at summary judgment, even though they turn on fact-intensive questions about workplace conduct, harm, and credibility. Her article explains why juries are often better positioned to evaluate whether harassment was severe enough to violate the law and why preserving that...

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Northern District Encourages Updated Definition of “Product”

In Penzick v. Constrafor Inc., 25 C 4555 (N.D. Ill. Jan. 29, 2026) (Durkin, J.), Caffarelli & Associates successfully represented the Plaintiff and prevailed in defeating the Defendant’s motion to dismiss. In a notable ruling, Judge Durkin rejected the Defendant’s argument that “software is intangible property” and therefore not a “product,” calling that position “an obsolete perspective.” The Defendant had moved to dismiss Count I of Plaintiff’s Complaint, brought under the Illinois Sales Representative Act (“SRA”), 820 ILCS 120/1(1), arguing that...

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Trauma Informed Lawyering in Workplace Sexual Harassment and Abuse Cases

At Caffarelli & Associates, we take great care in representing survivors of workplace sexual harassment and abuse. We understand that coming forward about sexual misconduct at work is not only a legal step, but a deeply personal one. Many survivors carry the effects of trauma long after the harassment or assault occurs. We approach every case with care, respect, and sensitivity. Trauma-informed advocacy means we recognize the impact that workplace harassment and assault can have on a person. We prioritize...

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When “Training Agreements” Become Forced Labor: Federal Court Applies Anti- Trafficking Laws to Coercive Employment Contracts

A recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois highlights that forced labor and human trafficking laws apply far beyond what most people imagine as traditional trafficking scenarios. In Melone v. Niki Moon Salon, LLC, Case No. 25-C-5445 (N.D. Ill. Nov. 12, 2025) (Gettleman, J.), the court allowed claims under the federal Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act (TVPA) and the Illinois Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act (ITVPA) to proceed based on an employer’s use of a coercive...

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Illinois Expands Protections for Whistleblowers

Illinois employees who speak up about unlawful workplace conduct now have stronger legal protections under recent amendments to the Illinois Whistleblower Act. These changes expand the types of disclosures that are protected and broaden what qualifies as unlawful retaliation– making it easier for employees to assert their rights when they are punished for doing the right thing. Expanded Protection for Speaking Up Under the amended law, employers may not retaliate against an employee who discloses– or threatens to disclose– information...

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