Todd Hunter Thomas, Partner
Todd Hunter Thomas helps businesses manage employee costs in the areas of employment law and litigation. Mr. Thomas frequently advises and defends businesses in discrimination claims, including sexual harassment, age, race, disability, and national origin discrimination.
With more than 25 years of experience, Mr. Thomas carefully guides employers through discharge and disciplinary decisions. He has defended clients before the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and in state and U.S courts. Mr. Thomas also drafts and revises essential employment policies and handbooks, as well as agreements covering separation, releases, confidentiality, non-competition, and arbitration. For government contractors, he prepares affirmative action programs, and defends Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs audits.
Through seminars and working sessions, Mr. Thomas trains managers and employees in lawful workplace conduct, focusing on prevention of costly claims. When necessary, he conducts investigations of internal claims of sexual harassment. Mr. Thomas’ practice also includes a broad range of business litigation, including partnership and other contract disputes in state and U.S courts.
Mr. Thomas represents a diverse range of businesses in manufacturing, service, and retail industries. He also represents selected individuals with respect to their employment needs, including review of separation agreements, negotiation of disputes, and protection of rights.
Mr. Thomas has published several articles, including “Using Arbitration To Avoid Litigation” for Labor Law Journal and “Arbitration Can Reduce Litigation Costs” for HR Focus magazine. Mr. Thomas also has been a presenter on employment and labor law in Illinois and has addressed numerous trade organizations on the topic of employment issues.
Mr. Thomas received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Law School in 1982. He received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Knox College in 1979. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the Illinois Supreme Court.
Mr. Thomas is on the board of directors for the Midwest Society of Professional Consultants as well as the Northern Illinois Society of Human Resources Managers. He is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Society of Human Resource Professionals, Employment Management Association, and the Council on Global Affairs.
