Do you represent all counties of IL or only Chicago area? I have a IDHR complaint filed but now looking for representation. I am in Western IL, and prefer to find a lawyer that is a lion in the courtroom. Short summary - DV caused me to go on FMLA from my teaching position, extra medical leave was req’d and dr documentation was provided. I was fired from my position during this time. HR lied on my unemployment appeal hearing call and the Judge called her out so that is also documented by audio if IDES truly keeps those recordings. The school district also cancelled medical insurance that my kids and I had RETROACTIVELY, without notice ahead of time. Sooo much more to this - These are only a small portion of what occurred. Equipped for Equality helped me thru the different moving pieces my employer kept attempting while I was on leave. They said I have a far bigger case than I realize and I’ve had other attorneys tell me the same at various agencies I’ve tried to seek knowledge or resources. I’ve decided it’s just best that I find representation bc I don’t know all the ins and outs of this stuff. I am hopeful to find someone prior to IDHR making contact with me, so that I have all areas covered when that time comes. Iwill be submitting at least 2 VESSA complaints as well (school district and HR gal). I do believe I also have 2 potential medical VESSA complaints as well, but have not spoke with a lawyer yet to know for sure. Each time I make contact with a law office and they ask questions, I start reliving my initial DV that subsequently caused the rest of all these massive life “rocks” falling. It’s just a shit show tbh and Very overwhelming as one can imagine. all the while also trying to navigate the waters of applying for disability and the hurdles that a lack of income for over a year has caused my children and I. I have spreadsheet timeline drafted and is a work in progress, as I also will be cross referencing the actual piece of evidence within the spreadsheet as well for whomever does represent me. (Yes, spreadsheet maybe that is too over the top, lol - with time, dates, contacts, and evidence cross referenced all in one place) Originally, at the very beginning of FMLA when I thought it was only intimidation and manipulation attempts by HR - I told Equipped for Equality that if I pursued anything I would only want extensive policy changes at the schooo district for any potential trial other DV victims in further. Now, after all the other pieces that they did to the children and I - or caused - I want a lion that will conquer this for the kids & I. My town is so small that it’s know. To be the “good ole boys” within the offices and also courts so I have to look outside surrounding nine counties. I want to help other survivors in similar circumstances to see that they should not be scared of reporting their violent attacks, even if their world falls apart for a time. Survivors don’t need to be silenced anymore and I long to find someone that feels the same way regarding the implications survivors face while the attackers walk away with a slap on wrist then back to their everyday normal life. I want the outcome of my case to create a new precedence within case documents/history for other lawyers to use in their Clients cases. I never dreamt I would be experiencing this in my lifetime, and the only good that has come from it so far - it lit a FIRE inside me that will fight for change, boldly pursue advocacy for policy and law changes. But, first…. It is crucial that I get my life back to some resemblance of a new realm of normal. Ideally, handing this case off to a lawyer so that I can get started on advocating for change and be the voice for other survivors. They need to know they aren’t forgotten - that they are heard - and that they matter. I will become that voice for them. This post was not supposed to be this long lol. I was only going to ask if you represent all counties of IL - oops!!! I guess in closing, I would ask that if you do not personally or within your office have someone - can you give me some of your recommendations about who may fit my desired “ideal” attorney?
