Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd.

Last week, some of our HSPRD team hit the pavement in Lincoln Park for the Race Judicata 5K! We were proud to support the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Foundation (CVLS) and its mission to ensure that the law works for everyone. CVLS is comprised of 2,100+ volunteer attorneys who donate free services to thousands of low-income Chicagoans annually.

Happy Labor Day from HSPRD! Wishing everyone a relaxing and safe holiday.

We are proud to announce the selection of 11 of our attorneys named in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide. Congratulations to all the honorees!

11 HSPRD Attorneys Recognized in Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. We are excited to share that 11 of our attorneys have been honored in the 2024 edition of Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Guide. This prestigious guide recognizes attorneys nationwide who demonstrate exceptional dedication in the fight for civil rights and emplo...

On June 25th, 2024, a group of Peoria residents with mobility disabilities filed a class action complaint against the City of Peoria, alleging widespread ADA and Rehabilitation Act violations. The complaint highlights the city's failure to provide accessible sidewalks and public spaces, leaving individuals with disabilities to navigate dangerous conditions or avoid public areas. Represented by Jennifer M. Sender (HSPRD), Carl Reardon, and Jim Rochford & Associates, the plaintiffs seek a court order to compel Peoria to comply with federal disability laws. Click below to read more:

Class Action Complaint Filed Against City of Peoria Alleges City’s Sidewalk System Not Accessible for People with Disabilities - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. On June 25, 2024, a group of Peoria residents with mobility disabilities filed a class action complaint against the City of Peoria, alleging widespread violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The complaint, filed in the United States District Court...

Yesterday, the City of Chicago City Council approved a $11.25 million settlement in a s*x discrimination lawsuit brought by 11 HSPRD clients against the Chicago Fire Department. To read more, click below:

$11.25 Million Settlement: Justice for Female Fire Paramedics - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Yesterday, the City of Chicago City Council approved an $11.25 million settlement in a s*x discrimination lawsuit brought by 11 brave HSPRD clients against the City of Chicago. The 11 women were represented by HSPRD attorneys Christopher Wilmes and Charlie Wysong, along with co-counsel Marni Willens...

President Biden's program grants parole in place for spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, allowing them to pursue permanent residence without leaving their families. Applications open August 19, 2024. Read more about the process below:

New Parole Program for Spouses and Stepchildren of U.S. Citizens - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. On June 18, President Biden announced a program that would grant parole in place on a case-by-case basis to spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. This program is estimated to benefit over half a million noncitizens by allowing them to pursue lawful permanent residence without having to leave th...

Hannah Finnegan’s journey through the Illinois Department of Corrections has been marked by abuse, neglect, and systemic failure. Represented by Elizabeth Mazur of HSPRD and Melinda Power West Town Law Office, Finnegan’s case, set to go to trial this fall, underscores the urgent need for prison reform for transgender individuals. Click below to read more on Hannah's journey:

Fighting for Justice: The Case of Hannah Finnegan - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Hannah Finnegan’s journey through the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) has been marked by abuse, neglect, and systemic failure. Represented by Elizabeth Mazur, an attorney at HSPRD, and Melinda Power of West Town Law Office, Finnegan’s case is set to go to trial this fall, highlighting ...

This past weekend, the HSPRD team came together for a fantastic day at the Lincoln Park Zoo! It was a perfect summer day filled with laughter, exploration, and bonding, as we enjoyed animal exhibits, fun activities, and delicious food.

Watching colleagues and their families spend quality time together reminded us of the strong community we have built here at HSPRD.

Caryn Lederer and Matthew Piers recently spoke at the 2024 Honorable John F. Grady Teachers Institute on the role of courts in U.S. elections and HSPRD’s Illinois ballot challenge to Donald Trump’s candidacy. This program, by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the American Bar Association, trains educators on the rule of law and the judicial system.

Click below to read more:

Shareholders Caryn C. Lederer and Matthew J. Piers Speak on Election Law at Honorable John F. Grady Teachers Institute - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Caryn C. Lederer and Matthew J. Piers served as faculty for the 2024 Honorable John F. Grady Teachers Institute, speaking on the role of courts in U.S. elections and HSPRD’s Illinois ballot challenge to Donald Trump’s candidacy for president. The Teachers Institute is a joint program of the U.S...

Congratulations to HSPRD partner Liz Jaci on her election to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)!

We are proud to announce that Liz was recently elected to become a member of ABOTA, an invitation-only organization requiring members to demonstrate significant litigation experience, including at least 10 civil jury trials. She was elected at the National Board Meeting in Seattle, Washington, on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Notably, she was the only attorney from Illinois elected in this round, highlighting her exceptional skills, dedication, and leadership in the field of trial law. This prestigious honor reflects Liz's unwavering commitment to justice and her outstanding contributions to our legal community.

Join us in celebrating Liz’s remarkable achievement!

Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. is actively involved in a significant arbitration effort on behalf of Amazon Flex drivers who worked in Illinois. These drivers are challenging their status as independent contractors and seek recognition as full employees. This development highlights ongoing disputes regarding worker classification in the gig economy. Read more below:

HSPRD Represents Amazon Flex Drivers In Arbitration Cases - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Our firm, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. (HSPRD), is actively involved in a significant arbitration effort on behalf of Amazon Flex drivers who worked in Illinois. These drivers are challenging their status as independent contractors and seek recognition as full employees. This development h...

Happy 4th of July! We hope you have a safe and fun holiday! ✨🇺🇸

HSPRD Shareholder, Lori L. Deem, attended the International Forum of Senior Executive Advisors (IFSEA) 5th Annual Conference in London this week.

Lori participated in a session entitled “Managing Executive Health in Times of Trauma.” The program addressed the immense pressures faced by business leaders and high-profile personalities during crises. Discussions focused on the best strategies to protect executives in distress and ensure those on the front lines receive the support needed to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

We are proud of Lori’s involvement in this conference and her dedication to promoting executive well-being.

HSPRD Shareholder Kalman Resnick recently spoke at the AILA 2024 conference on a panel entitled “A Double-Edged Sword: State-Level Advocacy and Patch Together Immigration Reform.” This insightful discussion highlighted the contrasting approaches to immigration legislation in different states.

Kalman compared the progressive, pro-immigration laws of Illinois with the restrictive, anti-immigrant policies seen in states like Texas and Florida. During the panel, Kalman engaged State Representative Lilian Jimenez in a thought-provoking dialogue about how the empowerment of immigrant communities in Illinois and their increased electoral participation have been pivotal in advancing certain political issues. This grassroots movement has significantly influenced the Illinois state legislature, resulting in the passage of several pro-immigrant laws.

Thank you to everyone who attended the panel discussion and contributed to this important conversation. Together, we continue to advocate for fair and just immigration policies nationwide.

Last week, several of our attorneys attended the breakfast, and HSPRD was a proud sponsor of this impactful event.

ARISE Chicago builds powerful partnerships between faith communities and workers to combat workplace injustice through education, organizing, and advocating for essential public policy changes. We are honored to support their mission and to partner with an organization doing such important work.

Join HSPRD in honoring Juneteenth. We reflect on the progress that has been made and on all that remains to be done to fix racial injustices. HSPRD honors Juneteenth by renewing our commitment to combat white supremacy and work toward an anti-racist society. Read more below:

Honoring Juneteenth: Reflecting on Freedom, Advocacy, and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Join HSPRD in honoring Juneteenth, a day commemorating when enslaved Black people were finally informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865, over two years after the enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. Communities have celebrated Juneteenth since the late 1800s, but the federal government only...

Join HSPRD this Pride Month in honoring the history, achievements, and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. HSPRD proudly stands with the courageous activists who continue the fight for equality and confirms our commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Join HSPRD this Pride Month in honoring the history, achievements, and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. HSPRD proudly stands with the courageous activists who continue the fight for equality and confirms our commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of all LGBTQIA+ individuals. Click below to read more:

Celebrating Pride Month: A Journey Through History and Chicago’s Unique Celebration - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Pride Month, celebrated every June, is a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community's history, achievements, and ongoing struggles for equality.

Join us in welcoming Laura Padilla, our summer associate in the civil rights practice group at Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. 👏

Laura is a rising 2L pursuing her J.D. at Loyola University Chicago Law School. As a first-generation American raised on Chicago’s southwest side, Laura brings a unique and inspiring perspective to our team.

Before law school, Laura made significant contributions working in the Office of the Mayor for the City of Chicago and as a paralegal for a local legal aid organization. She also holds a B.A. in Government from Georgetown University.

This summer, Laura is eager to learn from experienced litigators, explore new areas of law, and sharpen her legal research and writing skills. We are thrilled to have her on board!

Welcome, Laura! 🎉

Kalman Resnick will be joining colleagues to speak at this week's AILA Annual Conference to delve into the intricacies of immigration law. Save the date and ignite meaningful conversations that shape our understanding and approach towards immigration. https://www.aila.org/ac24 | June 12-15, 2024 | Chicago, IL

One of HSPRD’s Immigration attorneys, Kendra Scheuerlein, is attending The National Immigration Project (NIP) 2024 Annual Pre-AILA In-Person Conference Crimes & Immigration Seminar, which is addressing the Categorical Approach and Modified Categorical Approach to defining crimes under the immigration law; Challenging Removal Based on Crimes Involving Fraud; Inadmissibility issues as applied to Lawful Permanent Residents; Immigration Consequences of DUIs; and Working with Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Today, we remember with gratitude and pride those who served and died for our nation. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day.

May 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a day that celebrates s*xual and gender diversities. In stride with this year’s theme, No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All, HSPRD celebrates and honors the countless activists and advocates who have fought for LGBTQIA+ rights and a more inclusive, equal world.

HSPRD is proud to support this call for unity and to uplift our clients and allies who work to make Chicago and Illinois an affirming and safe place for people of every s*xual orientation and gender identity. In the words of IDAHOBIT, the Committee that founded this day, “Only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.”

This National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, HSPRD celebrates the remarkable achievements and rich diversity of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Spanning over 50 ethnic groups and 100 languages, these communities continue to inspire and enrich our world.

National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. This National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, HSPRD celebrates the indelible achievements and diversity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and advocates, which encompasses more than 50 ethnic groups and 100 languages. After Black...

Update: This event is approved for CLE credit for Illinois.

Reminder: Join attorneys from the Illinois challenge to Donald J. Trump's presidential candidacy on May 9, 2024 for a discussion on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Anderson, and the courts' role in election protection and safeguarding democracy. CLE Credit Expected. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/X2jKWKa7KLy4sBoB9

A new report, with contributions from HSPRD Partner Kate Schwartz, calls for immediate reform in the use of solitary confinement in Illinois' prisons. The report supports the Nelson Mandela Act (HB4828) to curtail solitary practices. Kate's involvement highlights her dedication to advocating for criminal justice reform and humane treatment for incarcerated individuals. To read more click below:

Report Calling for Illinois Prison Reform in the Use of Solitary Confinement - Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. A recent report published by a coalition of legal and civil rights organizations, featuring contributions from HSPRD Partner Kate Schwartz, calls for immediate reform in the use of solitary confinement in Illinois' prisons.

HSPRD's Kate Schwartz and Charlie Wysong recently delivered an insightful presentation on Employment Lawyering 101 at a Lunch and Learn event for NELA Illinois on April 12, 2024. The session provided valuable guidance and knowledge for attendees, covering the fundamentals of employment law and offering practical advice for navigating complex legal challenges in the workplace.

Join attorneys from the Illinois challenge to Donald J. Trump's presidential candidacy on May 9, 2024 for a discussion on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court's decision in Trump v. Anderson, and the courts' role in election protection and safeguarding democracy. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/X2jKWKa7KLy4sBoB9

We are thrilled to share that one of HSPRD's Shareholders, Charlie Wysong, has joined the Board of Directors at Legal Council for Health Justice.

"I have tremendous respect for the talent and expertise of the Legal Council Staff. I look forward to supporting the critical legal advocacy they provide to the Council's clients," says Charlie.

Charlie's dedication to advocating for justice and equality aligns perfectly with Legal Council's mission to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare and legal representation.

At the upcoming National Lawyers Guild ("NLG") Midwest Regional Conference, taking place at Loyola University Chicago School of Law this weekend, Hughes Socol Piers Resnick and Dym Partner Kate Schwartz will be a panelist speaker on April 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

The panel presentation, led by Sharlyn Grace of the Cook County Public Defender’s Office, will entail a lively discussion about the powerful synergy between grassroots organizing and litigation. On the panel, Kate will be joined by Adele Nichols from Voices for Reform and Jonathan Manes from the MacArthur Justice Center. Collectively, they will reflect on their litigation efforts surrounding work to end the use of money bail, halt ShotSpotter, and reform registries for individuals convicted of s*x offenses.

Don't miss this insightful conversation exploring how litigation can be used to support organizing campaigns🌟

Click below to grab a ticket.

https://nlgchicago.org/2024/01/24/2024-nlg-midwest-regional-conference/