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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 & Martin Ltd. 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...

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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 & Martin Ltd. 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...

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Trauma Informed Lawyering in Workplace Sexual Harassment and Abuse Cases

At Caffarelli & Martin Ltd., 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...

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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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Court Rejects Defendant’s Attempt to Evade Illinois Biometric Privacy Law Under Government Contractor Exemption

Caffarelli & Martin Ltd. secured a significant victory for workers’ biometric privacy rights this week when a Cook County court denied Total Airport Services, LLC’s motion to dismiss a class action brought under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The ruling allows the case to move forward on behalf of employees whose fingerprints were allegedly collected without the disclosures and consent required by Illinois law. The court agreed with Caffarelli & Martin Ltd. that the defendant failed to establish...

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2026 Rings in New Illinois Employment Laws

The Illinois legislature and Governor Pritzker had a productive year, with new laws taking effect to increase worker protections, expand leave rights, and new impose new or updated compliance obligations for employers. Below is Caffarelli & Martin' summary of the most significant legal changes — what they are, when they take effect, and what they mean in practice. Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) Overhaul — Effective Jan. 1, 2026 Discretionary Fact-Finding Conferences: The long-standing requirement that the Illinois Department of...

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Whitney L. Barr’s Article “Gender Violence in the Workplace” Published in the Illinois Bar Journal

Caffarelli & Martin Ltd. is pleased to highlight an article by associate Whitney L. Barr, published in the Illinois Bar Journal, titled “Gender Violence in the Workplace.” The piece explores the 2024 amendments to the Illinois Gender Violence Act, which expand legal protections for victims of sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of gender-related violence in the workplace. Ms. Barr explains how these updates strengthen accountability and clarify employer liability under Illinois employment law, marking a major development in employee rights and workplace safety....

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