The 6 Best Discrimination Lawyers in Chicago (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 6 firms · Illinois law

The best employment discrimination lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include The Friedman Firm and Ed Fox & Associates, which both name discrimination as a core focus, Randolph & Holloway for workers on West Jackson, Caffarelli & Martin for executives, and Osborne Employment Law and Vaziri Law for suburban workers or those with a related business dispute.

The list at a glance

FirmOfficeFocusBest for
1. The Friedman FirmThe LoopDiscrimination and harassmentEmployees facing discrimination
2. Ed Fox & AssociatesWest LoopEmployment discriminationDiscrimination, including at public employers
3. Randolph & HollowayThe LoopDiscrimination and retaliationWorkers facing retaliation
4. Caffarelli & MartinThe LoopDiscrimination and executive disputesExecutives and senior staff
5. Osborne Employment LawWheatonDiscrimination and retaliationDuPage County workers
6. Vaziri LawThe LoopDiscrimination and business disputesOwners or executives

It's illegal to treat someone differently at work because of a protected characteristic such as race, sex, religion, age or disability. Claims usually must first go through an agency. Keep records of what was said, who was there and when, and start the clock in your head now: filing deadlines are strict.

1. The Friedman Firm — The Loop

A firm built around employment discrimination.

Focus Discrimination and harassmentBest for Employees facing discrimination

The Friedman Firm's site is built around employment discrimination and sexual harassment. It advertises a free consultation.

Good to know: Bring reviews from before the trouble started.

53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1315, Chicago, IL 60604

Firm profile 312-886-0277 Website Google Maps

2. Ed Fox & Associates — West Loop

One of three main focuses.

Focus Employment discriminationBest for Discrimination, including at public employers

Ed Fox & Associates names employment discrimination as a main focus. It also handles civil rights cases, which can help with a government employer.

Good to know: Say if you work for a public agency.

118 N Clinton St, Suite 425, Chicago, IL 60661

Firm profile 312-345-8877 Website Google Maps

3. Randolph & Holloway — The Loop

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

Focus Discrimination and retaliationBest for Workers facing retaliation

Randolph & Holloway handles workplace discrimination, harassment and retaliation and offers free, confidential consultations.

Good to know: Keep a dated log of incidents.

53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1234, Chicago, IL 60604

Firm profile 312-663-1560 Website Google Maps

4. Caffarelli & Martin — The Loop

Handles disputes from negotiation through trial.

Focus Discrimination and executive disputesBest for Executives and senior staff

Caffarelli & Martin represents individuals in employment disputes, including executive representation, from South Michigan Avenue.

Good to know: Bring your employment contract.

8 S Michigan Ave, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603

Firm profile 312-763-6880 Website Google Maps

5. Osborne Employment Law — Wheaton

A solo-led practice in Wheaton.

Focus Discrimination and retaliationBest for DuPage County workers

Osborne Employment Law handles discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation for Illinois workers, from offices in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn.

Good to know: Ask about the agency filing as well as a lawsuit.

330 S Naperville Rd, Suite 408, Wheaton, IL 60187

Firm profile 630-869-0923 Website Google Maps

6. Vaziri Law — The Loop

Combines discrimination with business disputes.

Focus Discrimination and business disputesBest for Owners or executives

Vaziri Law lists discrimination with wage and contract disputes, a useful overlap for senior employees or minority owners.

Good to know: Bring any shareholder or partnership agreement.

111 W Washington St, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602

Firm profile 312-690-2610 Website Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What are the deadlines to file a discrimination charge in Illinois?

Generally 2 years with the Illinois Department of Human Rights since January 2025, and generally 300 days with the federal EEOC. Chicago and Cook County agencies have their own deadlines. Illinois Legal Aid Online explains where to report.

Do I need to complain to HR first?

It's often wise, and in harassment cases it can matter. Do it in writing and keep a copy. If you're retaliated against for complaining, that may be its own claim.

What can I recover in a discrimination case?

Depending on the law and facts, this may include back pay, reinstatement, emotional distress damages and attorney's fees. A lawyer can tell you what applies.