Professional Experience
Jeffrey S. Piell is a partner in the Firm’s Chicago office. Jeff has more than 20 years of experience in the area of labor and employment law. He defends employers in all types of employment litigation before federal and state courts and agencies. Jeff also advises clients on employment contracts and separation agreements, wage and hour compliance, enforcement of restrictive covenants, employee selection and discipline, reductions in force, WARN compliance, internal investigations and business transactions. He has spoken on several employment-related topics including joint employer liability, sexual harassment, age and disability discrimination, social media and various legislative updates. Jeff’s recent significant litigation experience includes:
- Obtaining a defense verdict in a federal jury trial in a race and age discrimination case for national real estate company.
- Defeating a class certification motion on behalf of a Fortune 500 company in a case alleging race discrimination in promotions and compensation.
- Obtaining dismissal of a race discrimination class action for a Fortune 200 company.
- Obtaining dismissal of religious harassment claim for a national retailer.
- Securing a temporary restraining order against a former sales representative who left a large pharmaceutical company to lead sales of a similar product at a principal competitor.
- Successfully representing large shipping company in labor arbitrations over employee discharges.
- Achieving reversal of adverse arbitration result in federal court on behalf of manufacturing client.
- Representing several companies, public and private, in numerous administrative charge and litigation matters.
Education and Honors
- Harvard Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1991)
- University of Michigan (B.A., with highest distinction, 1988)
Bar Admissions
Illinois,
1991
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 1994
U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 2000
U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, 1999
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1991
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 2008
Professional Recognition
Listed in
The Best Lawyers in America® (2009-present: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Litigation).
Leading Lawyers Network member (Employment, Labor Law).
Professional and Civic Activities
American Bar Association (Member, Equal Employment Opportunity Committee).
Chicago Bar Association (Member, Labor and Employment Committee).