Christy Phanthavong practices labor and employment litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Ms. Phanthavong has been involved in the defense of management in actions involving Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the National Labor Relations Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act and other state statutory and common law discrimination, breach of contract and tort claims. She also advises clients regarding employee relations matters, has conducted anti-harassment training and has assisted corporations in the drafting of employee handbooks and separation agreements.

Select Representations

• Younan v. Brookdale Living Communities, Inc. (Illinois) – Case alleging breach of employment contract dismissed at the pleading stage; dismissal affirmed by the appellate court
• Kirkwood v. Oscar Mayer Foods, Corp. (Wisconsin) – Summary judgment granted dismissing plaintiff’s claim alleging race discrimination
• Riggs v. Kraft Foods, Inc. (North Carolina) – Case involving reverse discrimination, defamation and tortious interference with prospective advantage dismissed at the pleading stage

Bar and Court Admissions

Illinois, 1999

United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Seventh and Tenth Circuits

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

Education

University of Illinois, J.D., summa cum laude, 1999

Wheaton College, B.A., summa cum laude, 1995

Publications

• FMLA Treatise Cumulative Supplement, published by BNA Books in conjunction with the ABA, Senior Editor 2009, 2010 (in progress), 2011 (in progress); Appendix Editor (DOL Opinion letters) 2006, 2008
• “Tips for Drafting Employee Handbooks,” Law Journal Newsletter, May 2009 (co-author)
• “Family and Medical Leave Act Update,” American Health Lawyers Association, Labor & Employment Newsletter, 2007

Speeches and Seminars

• "How to Avoid Liability When Hiring and Firing," ADP Institute for Educational Excellence, March 31, 2000 (co-speaker)

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association – Labor and Employment Law Section
• Chicago Bar Association
• Christian Legal Society

Civic Involvement and Honors

• University of Illinois – Law Review; National Moot Court Team