Craig Thorstenson concentrates his practice in the litigation of employment disputes and providing related counseling. His experience includes defending numerous WARN Act and Title VII class actions, prosecuting and defending actions over restrictive covenants, and handling complex labor arbitrations resulting from disputes arising out of a client's acquisition and from changes to health care plans. He regularly acts as "in-house" employment counsel for several companies that elect to outsource their employment work.
Earlier in his career, Craig formed a partnership specializing in employment discrimination, primarily from the plaintiff's side, an experience that gives him a unique perspective when counseling and litigating.
During law school, Craig was a member of the Order of the Coif and served on the University of Illinois Law Review.
Recent Experience
ˇ Craig represented Modine Manufacturing in Embry v. Modine, obtaining a verdict for the client in one of the first Family and Medical Leave Act lawsuits to go to a jury. He continues to regularly defend FMLA actions, most recently including Kemp v. Northwestern Memorial Hospital (N.D. Illinois), recently settled on terms favorable to Northwestern, and Renner v. CDW Corporation (D. Minnesota), which is currently pending.
ˇ Defeated former employer's attempt to obtain injunctive relief in the matter Cognex Corporation v. Lisa Eichler and Omron Electronics, Inc., (Massachusetts Superior Court)
ˇ Defending Dresser, Inc. in a Title VII class action alleging that Dresser failed to hire a class of individuals based on their race, Reed, et al. v. Dresser, Inc., (Eastern District of Wisconsin)
Recent Speaking Engagements
ˇ Panel Moderator, "Protecting the Business Through Restrictive Covenants," Law Bulletin Seminars Employment Law Conference
ˇ ADAAA, "Ensuring Compliance with Expanded Accommodation Requirements and Other Thorny Issues under the New Law," Council on Education in Management, Illinois Employment Law & HR Forum
ˇ The ADA Amendments Act" and "FMLA: Actively Managing Leave Under the New Regulations and Case Law," 2011 Illinois Workers' Comp Forum
Honors and Awards
ˇ The Best Lawyers in America - Labor and Employment Law
ˇ AV® Preeminent Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
ˇ Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
Industries
Food and Beverage
Healthcare
Memberships
American Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association