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She has been consistently recognized as a successful lawyer in these practice areas by Leading Lawyers Network, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon 500, and in 2024 she was named in the Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch list. Ms. Schwartz litigates in state and federal courts and administrative agencies, and has experience resolving employment issues ranging from discrimination and accommodation claims, to wage-and-hour issues. In 2018, Ms. Schwartz was honored by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless for providing outstanding contributions to justice for those experiencing homelessness in the course of her civil rights practice.
Ms. Schwartz joined the firm in 2015. Prior to joining the firm, she was an Assistant Appellate Defender at the Office of the Illinois State Appellate Defender, where she obtained significant relief for her clients, including outright reversals of conviction and remands for a new trial. Ms. Schwartz also previously worked as a litigation associate at Arnold & Porter, LLP, in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Schwartz graduated magna cum laude from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where she was a staff editor and published note author for the Washington University Law Review, a successful two-time competitor on the ABA National Moot Court Team, and a Legal Practice teaching assistant.
Kate Schwartz represented me in an employment matter during a very difficult time, so finding the right lawyer was incredibly important to me. I met with several lawyers and firms before choosing Kate, and she stood out from our very first conversation. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine empathy are unmatched. She never made me feel like just another case. I always felt like a person she truly cared about and was genuinely advocating for. Kate is not only incredibly smart and skilled, but she's also an absolute gem of a human being, which made all the difference during such an unnerving time. I can't recommend her highly enough to anyone seeking employment law advice. You won't be disappointed!
I was blindsided and wrongly terminated by an employer and they refused to pay me for the work I did for them. I wasn’t sure how to seek legal counsel regarding this matter , but received a referral to contact Kate Schwartz! Boy, am I so glad I did. She was professional, understanding and supportive when I needed guidance on how to process this situation. Kate is extremely knowledgeable in her field and provided her insight and expertise in taking on this case. I’m very pleased at the outcome of the case and thankful she was able to handle negotiations with opposing attorneys. I highly recommend Kate Schwartz!
I had the pleasure of working with Kate Schwartz during a very stressful and sensitive time, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From start to finish, she was attentive, caring, and incredibly responsive - replying to my emails on weekends and holidays without hesitation. She made me feel heard and supported every step of the way. Kate Schwartz is a true professional and a genuine gem. If you are looking for an employment attorney who will go above and beyond for you, look no further.
I had the best experience ever with this business! Kate Schwartz was amazing! I wouldn’t hesitate a second if I needed their services again. I’d recommend this business to anyone looking to receive top notch customer service!
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D. 2010, magna cum laude)
University of Michigan (B.A. 2007, with high distinction)
Michigan (2010)
District of Columbia (former member) (2011)
Illinois (2012)
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Named to 40 Under 40 by Law Bulletin Media 2024
Named to the Rising Stars list in Illinois by Super Lawyers® in Civil Rights litigation (2020-2025)
Named to the Emerging Lawyer list by Leading Lawyers® in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law (2020-2025)
Named in the Lawdragon 500 Guide as a Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyer (2021-2026)
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Member, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
Employment Lawyering 101, Presentation for NELA Illinois Lunch & Learn Series (Apr. 9, 2024)
Understanding and Preventing Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace, Presentation to First Defense Legal Aid (Nov. 6, 2020).
Cash Bail in Cook County, Illinois: Application and Efforts for Reform, presentation at Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference, Criminal Breakout Session (May 6, 2019).
Ethical and Best Practice Issues When Representing Whistleblowers in FCA Cases, Presentation at University of Illinois College of Law Class on Compliance, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility (Apr. 21, 2017).
Federal and Illinois Law Covering Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Presentation to Community Activism Law Alliance (May 27, 2016).
Criminal Liability For Internet Culprits: The Need For Updated State Laws Covering The Full Spectrum Of Cyber Victimization, Washington University Law Review, 87 Wash. U. L. Rev. 407 (2009).
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