Brian concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law, civil rights, education law and commercial litigation. He is Chair of the firm’s Employment & Labor Practice and he has extensive experience defending employers, including educational institutions, in federal and state courts, and administrative proceedings before the EEOC and IDHR. Brian’s experience representing employers encompasses disciplinary actions, discrimination claims, terminations, wage-and-hour issues, restrictive covenants, employment agreements, and various leave issues. Brian has also represented businesses in commercial litigation relating to contract, agribusiness, and construction disputes. Brian’s practice also entails defending government and law-enforcement officials and medical professionals in cases alleging violations of constitutional rights. He has also defended clients in tort litigation, including cases arising from automobile and commercial trucking accidents. Brian received his law degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law. Prior to law school, he worked in campus ministry, where his duties included management of staff and volunteers. During law school, he was a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois College of Law and a member of the University of Illinois Law Review. Brian has also been a guest presenter at the University of Illinois College of Law's Trial Advocacy class. Significant Cases
Publications“Jailhouse Lawyers, Retaliation, and Access to the Courts,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2022) “Thompson v. Cope: A Victory for State Actor Medical Providers in a Landscape of Eroding Immunities,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2018) - Download Article "Stays and Appeal Bonds" chapter in Illinois Civil Appeals: State and Federal, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2015, 2018) - Read Excerpt "Internal Investigations, Criminal Prosecution and Civil Rights Lawsuits: A Brief Review of the Constitutional Questions Raised for Citizens and Officers," Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2016) - Download Article "Seventh Circuit Issues Significant Opinions Regarding Malicious Prosecution and Qualified Immunity," Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2015) - Download Article "Does It Relate Back? Substituting Individuals for Fictitious Defendants after the Statute of Limitations Has Expired," Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2014) – Download Article "Survey of Illinois Law: Employment Law," Southern Illinois University Law Journal (2010) - Download Article Public Speaking“Covid-19 Vaccine and Township Employees: Can it be Mandated?” “COVID-19 Employment Issues” “Retaliation in the Workplace: State and Federal Claims” “Alternative Dispute Resolution – ‘Using mediation or arbitration early to avoid lawsuits later.’” “Body Worn Cameras and the Future of Excessive Force Litigation” “Compliance with Wage and Labor Laws for Vacation and Overtime Pay” “Medical Cannabis & Concealed Carry” “Investigations” “Medical Cannabis: A Primer For Employers and Governmental Entities” Professional Recognition
Professional Associations
Court Admissions
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