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She has been consistently recognized as a successful lawyer in these practice areas by Leading Lawyers Network as an Emerging Lawyer recommended in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the area of Civil Rights litigation. 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.
HSPRD (and, specifically, Attorney Kate Schwartz) handled an employment matter for me recently. It was an emotional experience, and came at a time when I was very vulnerable. Ms. Schwartz was outstanding in two ways: First, she has a keen knowledge of applicable laws, and is brilliant in expressing that. She also is quick to conclude challenging legal matters effectively and efficiently. Second, Ms. Schwartz is exceptionally caring and never made me feel like I was just another client, just another case. She made it clear that she truly cared what happened to me, and truly wanted to help. I highly recommend HSPRD and Kate Schwartz.
Employment
Kate was exceptional to work with throughout the legal process. She was kind and empathetic to my situation, strategic and knowledgeable in how to best approach resolution, and ultimately helped me achieve the best-case outcome. Kate is an excellent employment attorney and I would recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of needing an employment attorney.
My representation was 1st class, to me since day one, clear and understandable and responsible. Kate E. Schwartz was the professional that attended my legal needs and I was greatly honored to have her as my representative.
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 the Rising Stars list in Illinois by Super Lawyers® in Civil Rights litigation (2020-2024)
Named to the Emerging Lawyer list by Leading Lawyers® in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law (2020-2023)
Named in the Lawdragon 500 Guide as a Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyer (2021-2023)
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Member, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
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).
Employment Lawyering 101, Presentation for NELA Illinois Lunch & Learn Series (Apr. 9, 2024)
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