Cynthia Pietrucha
Top Employment Attorney for Separation Contract Negotiations, FMLA, Unemployment
Expert Advocacy in Employment Law: Attorney Cynthia Pietrucha
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I champion the rights of employees and guide employers through the legal intricacies of the workplace. With a decade of dedicated legal service, I am a seasoned employment attorney with expertise in drafting and negotiating separation agreements, litigating medical leave and ADA employment cases, and negotiating remote work terms, even prior to COVID-19!
**Your Advocate for Fair Severance and Medical Leave Rights**
Navigating the end of an employment relationship or grappling with medical leave can be daunting. As an expert in separation negotiations, I ensure that my clients—whether employees or employers—receive the most favorable terms possible. My approach is tailored to protect your interests, secure your future, and maintain your professional dignity.
**Unique Knowledge in Medical Leave and ADA Compliance**
When it comes to medical leave and ADA employment cases, my firm stands out for its deep understanding and successful handling of these sensitive issues. I am committed to upholding the rights of employees to fair medical leave under the FMLA and ensuring that workplaces are compliant with the ADA, providing reasonable accommodations without discrimination. We have a 100% success rate in resolving FMLA/ADA cases (results depend on case facts and there is no guarantee of outcome).
**Pioneering Remote Work Negotiations: Ahead of the Curve**
Long before the global shift to remote work spurred by COVID-19, Pietrucha Law Firm, LLC was at the forefront of negotiating remote work arrangements. We recognized early on the growing need for flexibility in the workplace and have been successfully advocating for remote work terms that benefit both employees and employers. Our proactive approach has enabled countless clients to achieve the work-life balance they desire while maintaining productivity and meeting business needs.
- Northern Illinois University
- J.D. (2009) | Law
- University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
- B.A. (2006) | Pre-Law, Journalism and Spanish
- Honors: President's Leadership Award
- Activities: Spanish Tutor
- Managing Attorney
- Pietrucha Law Firm, LLC
- - Current
- Liquor Commission
- Village of Downers Grove
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- Purchasing Administrator
- Village of Orland Park
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- Senior Contract Administration Specialist
- API Healthcare
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- Site Licensing Contracts Specialist
- American Medical Association
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- Legal Assistant
- Law Offices of Joel Weisman, P.C.
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- Employment Termination: Employer Obligations and Workplace Considerations
- Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
- Layoffs, Rescinded Job Offers, and Beyond – The Latest Trends and Best Practices, National Business Institute, Webinar
- HR Due Diligence: Tips From a Labor and Employment Attorney, National Business Institute, Champaign, Illinois
- Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace: Marijuana and Other Considerations, National Business Institute, Naperville, Illinois
- Starting Your Solo Law Practice as a Female Attorney, ISBA Standing Committee on Women & the Law, Chicago, IL
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
- Judge, Sports Law Sponsorship Agreements, National Sports Law Negotiation Competition, San Diego, CA
- Top Attorney Award
- Avvo
- Selected as Top 40 under 40 Illinois Employment Lawyers
- The National Black Lawyers
- Avvo’s Client’s Choice Award
- Avvo
- Women's Bar Association of Illinois
- Member
- - Current
- Activities: Mentor/Mentee
- Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA)
- Labor and Employment Law Section Council Member 2023-2024, Standing Committee on Delivery of Legal Services 2020-2021, Law Student Committee 2007-2009
- - Current
- DuPage Association of Women Lawyers
- Board of Directors 2016-2017
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- Illinois
- 7th Circuit
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Credit Cards Accepted
We accept all major credits and PayPal. -
Contingent Fees
Our firm charges flat fees and contingency fees 35% to 40%.
- Employment Law
- Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Litigation
- Separation Agreements and General Releases
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Breach of Contract/Fraud
- Unemployment Insurance Benefits Appeals
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. I was hired fully remote that is on my signed agreement. The company now built a new building and wants me to come in.
- A: Your situation may indeed involve a potential breach of contract, depending on the specific terms outlined in your signed employment agreement. If your contract explicitly states that your position is fully remote, the company's request for you to work in-person at a new building could be a violation of that agreement.
To determine your legal standing, a thorough review of the employment contract and any related documents is necessary, especially because sometimes companies will put in the offer letter that you must work onsite - let you work remotely - and then conveniently play the "gotcha" game when they want you to come onsite.
The review of your documents would assess ... Read More
- Q. I’m having a baby in May & I'm wondering if I can collect unemployment while on maternity leave/medical leave.
- A: In Illinois, as in many states, unemployment benefits are typically available to individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing, and able to work. To collect unemployment benefits, claimants must also be actively seeking employment.
Maternity leave, however, is generally considered a time when an individual is not able to work due to the medical and caregiving needs associated with childbirth. Therefore, during the period of actual medical incapacitation due to childbirth, an employee would not be eligible for unemployment benefits because they are not able to work.
However, there are some scenarios where an employee on maternity leave might be ... Read More
- Q. I work in Cook county as a secondary teacher for a private school and want to break my contract.
- A: I'm sorry to hear about your situation. If you have a diagnosis from a doctor indicating a disability that contributes to your headaches, it's advisable to explore reasonable accommodation options with your employer. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. This could involve discussions with your employer about potential changes to your work environment or duties that might alleviate your health issues.
Additionally, if you are considering exiting your current position, negotiating a separation agreement might be a viable option. Given your health concerns and the potential ... Read More
- Website
- Firm Website