Overview
Allison has spent a majority of her legal career defending employers and understands that each employment matter comes with its own unique challenges and considerations. Allison is a proactive and creative litigator who strives to find the best resolutions for her clients. Dating back to her journalism major, Allison has honed an approachable, understandable communication style and the ability to strategically frame important issues. She now uses these skills to persuasively and accurately tell her clients’ stories.
As a member of our Labor & Employment Service Group, she handles workplace disputes, including claims for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, lost wages and failure to accommodate a disability. Her experience includes representing clients in a variety of industries, including health care systems, state universities, public agencies, and small employers, in state and federal court litigation.
Prior to joining SmithAmundsen, Allison was an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Illinois Attorney General’s Employment Law Unit where she represented state agencies in federal and state court and administrative agencies. In that capacity, she defended employers against claims brought under Section 1983, Section 1981, Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FMLA and the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
- Young Professionals Board: Equip for Equality
Honors
- Selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" List: 2020, 2021, 2022
Resources & Insights
In the Media
Speaking Engagements
Published Works
Blog
Contributing Author, SmithAmundsen's Labor & Employment Law Update, a labor and employment advisory blog.
Contributing Author, Illinois Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Dispatch, an HR advisory blog.
Blog Posts
Education on Demand
new Illinois law generally prohibits the use of criminal convictions in employment decisions and creates additional new hurdles for employers who decide to rely on any conviction for employment purposes-unless otherwise authorized by law.
Firm News
- 35 SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included on 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists35 SmithAmundsen Attorneys Included on 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Congratulations to all of our attorneys named to the 2022 Illinois Super Lawyers and 2022 Illinois Rising Stars lists!
- NEW Illinois Law Prohibiting Use of Criminal Convictions: An Employer’s GuideNEW Illinois Law Prohibiting Use of Criminal Convictions: An Employer’s Guide
Effective March 23, 2021, new Illinois law generally prohibits the use of criminal convictions in employment decisions and creates additional new hurdles for employers who decide to rely on any conviction for employment purposes-unless otherwise authorized by law. View our on demand webcast where Jeff Risch and Allison Sues discuss the new law.
- 4 Ways Employers Can Stamp Out Bias Against Natural Hair -- Law360 Interviews and Quotes Allison Sues4 Ways Employers Can Stamp Out Bias Against Natural Hair -- Law360 Interviews and Quotes Allison Sues
There are now nine states that have passed a version of the Crown Act which bans discrimination against hairstyles or headdresses that are tied to race or religion in schools and workplaces.
- Illinois Employment Forms-Online VersionIllinois Employment Forms-Online Version
Members of SmithAmundsen's Labor and Employment team provide insight into the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Law Forms. This section includes 169 forms in a 390 page book for Illinois employers to use in managing their human resources. Topics range from interviewing potential employees, to terminating departing employees.
Services
- Employment Advice & Counsel
- Employment Litigation
- Equal Pay Compliance
- Government Regulation, Audit and Compliance
- Labor, Employment, Benefits & Immigration
- Mandatory Training
- Staffing Agency, Independent Contractor & Contingent Workforce
- Unfair Competition Counseling and Litigation
- Vaccine Mandates in the Workplace
- Wage & Hour
- Workplace Investigations
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2010
University of Illinois, B.S., 2006
Admissions
- Illinois