The best wrongful termination lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Caffarelli & Martin for individuals and executives, The Friedman Firm for firing tied to discrimination, Vaziri Law for litigation-focused representation, Cramer Law Group for severance negotiation, and Osborne Employment Law and Randolph & Holloway for retaliation claims.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Caffarelli & Martin | The Loop | Wrongful termination | Individuals and executives |
| 2. The Friedman Firm | The Loop | Discrimination-related firings | Firings tied to discrimination |
| 3. Vaziri Law | The Loop | Wrongful termination litigation | Disputes likely to end in a lawsuit |
| 4. Cramer Law Group | The Loop | Severance and contract issues | Severance negotiation |
| 5. Osborne Employment Law | Wheaton | Retaliation and non-compete disputes | DuPage County workers |
| 6. Randolph & Holloway | The Loop | Retaliation and discrimination | Workers fired after a complaint |
Illinois is an at-will state, which means being fired unfairly isn't automatically illegal. A firing is wrongful if it's for an illegal reason, such as discrimination, retaliation for a complaint, or breach of a contract. Before you sign a severance offer, have it reviewed, since it probably waives your claims. Apply for unemployment regardless, and keep your records.
A named wrongful termination page.
Caffarelli & Martin has a wrongful termination page and also represents executives, through negotiation and trial, from South Michigan Avenue.
Good to know: Bring your offer letter and any bonus or equity plan.
8 S Michigan Ave, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60603
Reviews severance agreements too.
The Friedman Firm handles discrimination and wrongful termination and reviews severance agreements.
Good to know: Note who replaced you and any comments made.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1315, Chicago, IL 60604
A litigation-focused firm.
Vaziri Law describes itself as litigation-focused and has a wrongful termination page for Chicago and Illinois clients, on West Washington Street.
Good to know: Ask for a realistic view of cost versus recovery.
111 W Washington St, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
Severance and contract work.
Cramer Law Group lists severance agreements and contract drafting and represents both sides of the employment relationship.
Good to know: Share the agreement before the deadline to sign.
33 N Dearborn St, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60602
Includes unemployment appeals.
Osborne Employment Law handles wrongful termination, retaliation and non-compete disputes, and it also handles unemployment appeals.
Good to know: Unemployment appeals have short deadlines.
330 S Naperville Rd, Suite 408, Wheaton, IL 60187
Free, confidential consultations.
Randolph & Holloway handles discrimination and retaliation, including firing after a complaint, and offers free, confidential consultations.
Good to know: Keep a copy of any complaint you made.
53 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1234, Chicago, IL 60604
Only if the reason is illegal or the firing breached a contract. Illinois law protects against discrimination and retaliation, including for reporting illegal conduct. A lawyer can evaluate this quickly.
Have it reviewed first. Severance usually requires you to give up claims in exchange for pay. Terms can sometimes be improved, particularly if you have a potential claim.
Ask for the reason in writing, keep copies of your pay and review records that you're entitled to have, apply for unemployment with IDES and write down what happened while it's fresh. Don't take confidential company documents.