William (Bill) has represented management in a variety of litigation at the administrative level, in state and federal courts and in the U.S. Court of Appeals. Mr. Wortel’s experience includes defense of actions alleging violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Reconstruction Act of 1866, the Labor Management Relations Act, ERISA and the Illinois Human Rights Act. In addition, Mr. Wortel’s practice includes non-competition and trade secret litigation, defense of wage and hour class actions and defense of class action discrimination claims asserted by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and private litigants. He also has defended employers against claims of retaliatory discharge, breach of contract, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, negligent retention, negligent supervision, public disclosure of private facts and intrusion upon the seclusion of another.

Mr. Wortel also assists employers in the development, implementation and application of harassment, drug testing and other personnel policies and employee handbooks. Additionally, he has presented client seminars on topics ranging from harassment to proper employee evaluation, discipline and termination in light of state and federal employment laws.

Bar and Court Admissions

Illinois, 1996

United States Supreme Court

United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Seventh and Eighth Circuits

United States District Courts for the Central, Northern and Southern Districts of Illinois, Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, and Eastern District of Wisconsin

Education

DePaul University, J.D., 1996

University of Illinois, B.S., with honors, 1993

Publications

• "Early Dismissal Strategies When Dealing with a Dishonest Plaintiff," The Employment Law Strategist, October 2011
• "Separation and Settlement Agreements: Getting More Bang for Your Buck," The Employment Law Strategist, April 2011
• "Reducing Exposure to Attorneys Fees Awards Though Use of Rule 68 Offers of Judgment," The Employment Law Strategist, September 2010
• “Reducing Damages Exposure,” The Employment Law Strategist, April 2010
• “Overtime Implications of Bonus Plans Under the FLSA,” The Employment Law Strategist, November 2009
• “Tips for Drafting Employee Handbooks,” The Employment Law Strategist, May 2009 (co-author)
• “Avoiding State Law Pitfalls,” The Employment Law Strategist, June 2008
• "How to Reduce Your Exposure to Lawsuits," The Employment Law Strategist, March 2007
• "2006 Illinois Employment Law Update," Bryan Cave LLP Labor & Employment News Alert, December 2005
• "Overtime Implications of Bonus Plans Under the FLSA," Ross & Hardies Labor & Employment Update, July 1999

Speeches and Seminars

• "Recent Developments in the ADA and FMLA," Ross & Hardies, May 22, 2003
• "Keeping Current with the Legal Implications of Technological Changes in the Workplace," Ross & Hardies, October 21, 1998

Professional Affiliations

• The Employment Law Strategist – Board of Editors
• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois Bar Association
• American Bar Association