Administrative agencies are official governmental bodies with the authority to direct and supervise the implementation of certain laws.  Administrative agencies are not courts of law, but their rules and regulations may have the force of law against the parties involved in a dispute.   

Often, individuals prefer to resolve their matters through administrative agencies, which can be more time- and cost-efficient than court proceedings.  Individuals often do not need the assistance of an attorney in order to file claims at administrative agencies.  In addition, state and federal courts may prefer that matters proceed through administrative agencies, since judicial resources may be preserved in that manner.  Other times, such as when alleging claims of discrimination based on a violation of Title VII, the ADA, or the ADEA, filing a charge with an administrative agency is a mandatory prerequisite to filing suit in federal court. 

The employment law attorneys at Caffarelli & Siegel most often deal with issues which can proceed before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Department of Labor (DOL), or the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). 

The EEOC administers a number of laws which protect an employee’s right to a work environment free from discrimination or retaliation on the basis of race, sex, national origin, color, religion, disability, or age.  For most of the claims adjudicated by the EEOC, filing the charge with that administrative agency is a mandatory prerequisite to filing a suit in federal court.   

The IDHR investigates and enforces the Illinois Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental handicap, military status, and sexual orientation.   

The DOL is an administrative agency which administers a variety of federal labor laws, including those that guarantee workers’ rights to safe and healthful working conditions; a minimum hourly wage and overtime pay; freedom from employment discrimination; unemployment insurance; and other income support.  Employees seeking information about the FMLA, the ADA, the FLSA, and other employment laws will find a wealth of information at the DOL’s website: http://www.state.il.us/Agency/idol/. 

The IDES primarily investigates and awards unemployment insurance benefits.  At Caffarelli & Siegel, we are experienced with providing services to clients who face appeals at the IDES and need advice regarding their right to unemployment insurance benefits. 

If you have questions about the administrative agencies, or require legal assistance as you file a claim through one of the administrative agencies, contact Caffarelli & Siegel to speak to an employment law attorney.