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SAndy l. MOrris

Partner

300 E. RANDOLPH, SUITE 3400 | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601

(312) 238-9545 | smorris@VABLAWFIRM.COM

Experience

Sandy is an experienced litigator and trusted advisor.  In every representation, she works closely with her client to understand and further the client’s objectives.  Sandy has more than 20 years of experience litigating complex business disputes and representing employers defending against discrimination and retaliation claims and purported wage and hour class actions.  In addition to her active litigation practice, she assists employers with workplace investigations into discrimination and harassment complaints and potential violations of other corporate policies.  She also regularly provides real-time employment counseling, assisting with implementation of best practices in hiring, discipline, and termination decisions and crafting effective and compliant employment policies.  Sandy is a member of the Northern District of Illinois Trial Bar.

Representative Matters

  • Sandy represents employers in connection with claims of alleged discrimination and retaliation pursuant to Title VII, Section 1981, and the ADEA.

  • Sandy represented the owner and operator of several legendary Chicago taverns in connection with disputes regarding ownership, compensation and commercial leases.

  • Sandy represented a janitorial company and two of its new employees in litigation brought by a former employer that alleged that the employees violated non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-recruitment provisions in their employment contracts. She successfully argued to limit the scope and term of the restrictions.

  • Sandy served as lead counsel for a professional sports team during investigations by the league and the sport’s national governing body.  She also regularly conducts internal investigations of alleged violations of workplace policies.

  • Sandy served as lead counsel for a landscaping company in a purported wage and hour class action asserting claims under the FLSA and state prevailing wage law. She successfully opposed a motion for step one certification, leading to a favorable settlement.

  • Sandy obtained summary judgment in favor of an auto parts manufacturer and distributor in a $20 million breach of contract dispute with a former supplier.

Admissions

  • State of Illinois

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (Trial Bar)

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

  • United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Professional Affiliations

  • DRI Employment and Labor Law Committee (2016-present)

  • NAMWOLF Trials PAC & Labor & Employment PAC (2016-present)

Boards

  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Advisory Board (2016-present)

  • Illinois Legal Aid Online Board of Directors (2015-2023)

  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Board Member (2009-2015)

  • Chicago Bar Association Alliance for Women (Co-chair 2009-2010; Executive Committee 2007-2016)

Awards

  • SuperLawyers (2019-present)

  • Leading Lawyers (2022-present)

  • Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Distinguished Service Award (2007, 2013, 2018)

  • ISBA John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award (2017)

  • SuperLawyers Rising Star (2009-2013)

Employment

  • Chico & Nunes, P.C. – Partner (2013-2018); Senior Attorney (2011-2012); Associate (2009-2011)

  • Schopf & Weiss, LLP – Counsel (2007-2008)

  • Dahm & Elvin, LLP – Associate (2003-2007)

  • Karbal, Cohen, Economou, Silk & Dunne LLC - Associate (2001-2003)

  • Cook County Public Guardian – Assistant Public Guardian (1999-2001)

Education

     University of Chicago Law School
     Chicago, Illinois – Juris Doctor, 1999

     Syracuse University
     Syracuse, New York – Bachelor of Arts, 1995
     Graduated cum laude

 
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