Founding attorney Diana Servos of S.T. Legal Group is dedicated to fighting for the rights of employees facing gender discrimination. She has a well-earned reputation for successfully protecting clients in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois from unfair treatment at the workplace and for winning them the compensation they deserve. If you have experienced employment discrimination because of your gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, contact us now to discuss your options.
Gender discrimination at the workplace not only interferes with your ability to earn a living and your peace of mind — it is illegal. Inequitable treatment or harassment because you are a woman, man, gay, straight, bisexual, nonbinary, transgender, cisgender, pregnant or nursing, queer, etc. is an actionable offense.
As an accomplished gender discrimination attorney, Diana will negotiate a reasonable settlement or, if necessary, take your case to court. Though you will find her to be a warm and compassionate person, she is also a sharp litigator, ready to fight vigorously on your behalf.
Acts of Employment Discrimination as Gender Discrimination
While some forms of gender discrimination are blatant, others may be subtle and well-disguised. Prejudice rears its ugly head in a number of ways at the workplace resulting in inequity in:
- Hiring process
- Working conditions
- Promotions
- Pay/bonuses/raises
- Benefits (e.g. health, retirement)
- Demotions
- Discipline
- Termination
It is important to be aware that employer retaliation against an employee who complains about gender discrimination is also a valid reason for a lawsuit. If you have experienced any of the above, S.T. Legal may be able to pursue your case and win you the damages you deserve.
Sexual Harassment Is a Form of Gender Discrimination
Sexual harassment is considered a form of gender discrimination. Demands for sexual favors in exchange for positive employment perks (e.g. hiring, promotion) or to prevent employment discipline, demotion or termination, known as quid pro quo harassment, should never be tolerated.
Furthermore, the law also protects you from having to put up with a hostile work environment in which you are subjected to:
- Unwanted touching
- Comments on your sexual appearance or behavior
- Accusations of being effeminate or too mannish in dress or mannerisms
- Taunts, suggestive or obscene gestures, or sounds
- Suggestive or lewd texts, emails, images, or jokes
If any of the above is occurring at your place of employment, interfering with your ability to perform work duties, or to feel safe or comfortable as you do so, you should immediately tell the perpetrator(s) to stop and report their behavior to your supervisor or to human resources. If you fail to get relief, or worse, if you are facing retaliation for your complaint, call S.T. Legal Group for a prompt response and skilled legal advocacy.
The Employment Discrimination Law Is on Your Side
In Illinois, you have both federal and state legislation protecting your right to work without gender discrimination:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) forbids employment discrimination against protected classes, including gender, in the workplace. In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title VII applies to same-sex harassment as well. This decision was formalized by President Biden as an executive order in 2021.
The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) of 1979 made it a civil rights violation for employers, employees, employment agencies, or labor organizations of any size to engage in sexual harassment, including same-sex sexual harassment. Offenses include not only actions taken for sexual gratification, but acts motivated by prejudice or malice towards the victim’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act in 2006 state that LGBT workers can file complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, a state agency created under the law to handle discrimination complaints. In addition, in 2014, Illinois expanded its anti-bullying laws to make them inclusive of LGBT people.
The U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 2015 not only ordered every state to recognize same-sex marriage. It also extended protection to employees and job candidates from discrimination based on actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. This means that it is illegal for an employer to treat individuals unequally based on a belief about their sexual orientation, whether that belief is correct or not.
Our Gender Discrimination Attorney Will Fight Hard for You
Diana Servos has the legal tools and talent to protect you from the cruel and demeaning practice of gender discrimination by helping you substantiate the mistreatment you have been subjected to. She will:
- Help you gather relevant texts, emails, posted images, or cartoons
- Interview witnesses who can corroborate your claims
- Investigate any history of similar misconduct on the part of the defendant
- Examine your employee records and positive work reports
Whatever happens, Diana has your back. Though you may feel outnumbered in your struggle, you can count on her to level the playing field and do everything in her power to bring you a successful outcome.
Damages S.T. Legal Group Will Seek for Gender Discrimination
Although no two cases are identical, depending on your particular situation Diana will seek damages for:
- Back and front pay if you have been wrongfully terminated or demoted
- Lost bonuses/paid time off
- Monetary value of lost employment benefits (health, retirement)
- Reputational damage
- Emotional distress
Where practicable and desirable, she may be able to get you reinstated at your place of employment or promoted as you were supposed to be.
Contact Our Experienced Gender Discrimination Attorney Today
Diana Servos has in-depth knowledge of the law and a strong legal skill set. More than that, she is committed to protecting the rights of those who have suffered the emotional pain and financial damage caused by gender discrimination.
Though the freedom to be who you are is guaranteed by law, for some people that freedom is still challenged on a regular basis. If your right to work in a safe and equitable environment is being threatened, contact us now and take back control and dignity.