Suite 3400
Chicago IL 60606
TEL: 312.786.6141
FAX: 312.986.9192
Practice Areas
- Labor & Employment
- Counseling & Compliance
- Employment Litigation
- Union-Related Matters
- Employee Benefits
Education
- J.D., with honors, University of Chicago Law School, 2001
- B.A., summa cum laude, Augustana College, 1998
Bar & Court Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois
- U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana
William R. Pokorny
Bill represents management in a wide range of labor and employment matters. He concentrates his practice on litigation and counseling in areas including discrimination, disabilities, ERISA and employee benefits, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, wrongful discharge, wage and hour law, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and labor relations. He represents employers before state and federal courts as well as administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Bill has experience in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing; utilities; health care; insurance; financial services; staffing; retail; hospitality, including restaurants and hotels; nonprofit; education, including higher education; and local government. Bill also has experience representing educational institutions in a variety of non-employment related litigation matters.
Bill joined the firm in February 2006. Previously, he worked at the law firms of Wildman Harrold Allen & Dixon LLP (2003–2006) and McDermott Will & Emery LLP (2001–2003). He is a member of the Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations.
Bill is a co-author of the firm’s FMLA Insights Blog. When he is not practicing law, Bill serves as secretary of the Board of Directors for his church, and is an avid cook and photographer.
Representative Experience click to view
- Obtained summary judgment after securing dismissal of class claims, for an energy company in a lawsuit alleging that the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by demoting allegedly disabled employees for excessive absenteeism
- Counseled major manufacturing company in reductions in force at locations in multiple states
- Obtained defense verdict for the University of Chicago in a 9-day jury trial in which a former Ph.D. student alleged that the University violated provisions of its student handbook when it suspended him for inappropriate communications with University administrators
- Advises public and private sector employers on FMLA and disability-related issues, including working with dozens of clients to update FMLA policies and procedures to comply with new FMLA regulations
- Assisted retail and food service client in reaching a favorable settlement of a class action filed on behalf of several hundred current and former employees, alleging failure to pay minimum wages and overtime
News
Publications
- FMLA Insights Podcast - "Medical Certifications - Why, When and How?"
- New Illinois Law Expands Leave For Military Families
- New Illinois Law Limits Credit Checks By Employers
- View All »