Cruz Scott

For public and private sector employers across Illinois, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of labor and employment law can be a complex and challenging endeavor. From civil litigation to preventative counseling, ensuring compliance and protecting business interests requires the guidance of a seasoned and insightful legal professional. In the vibrant legal hub of Chicago, Scott Cruz, a distinguished attorney and partner at UB Greensfelder LLP, stands as a leading expert in all facets of labor and employment law. With a deep understanding of state and federal regulations, Scott Cruz provides comprehensive and strategic legal support, helping employers in Illinois effectively manage workplace issues and avoid costly disputes. This article will delve into his specialized services, accessible Chicago location, distinguishing features, and why he is an excellent choice for local businesses and organizations seeking top-tier labor and employment legal counsel.

Scott Cruz brings over two decades of legal experience to his practice, having built a reputation for his meticulous approach and proactive strategies. He understands that employment law is not just about reacting to claims, but about implementing preventative measures to foster a compliant and harmonious workplace. His expertise extends beyond the courtroom, encompassing management and employee training, workplace investigations, and legal audits designed to fortify an employer's position. For businesses and educational institutions across Illinois, having an attorney like Scott Cruz, who is deeply versed in the nuances of employment and labor regulations, offers invaluable peace of mind and a strategic advantage in maintaining a strong and lawful operational environment. His commitment to clients goes hand-in-hand with his active involvement in various industry and community organizations, further solidifying his standing as a trusted advisor in the Illinois business landscape.

Scott Cruz's office is located at 300 S Wacker Dr #3400, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This prominent address places his practice within one of Chicago's most recognizable buildings, situated in the heart of the city's bustling financial and business district. This central location ensures exceptional accessibility for employers and organizations traveling from various parts of Illinois.

The 300 South Wacker Drive building boasts excellent connectivity to Chicago's extensive public transportation network. For those utilizing the CTA 'L' train system, the office is just a short walk from several key lines, including the Brown, Purple, Orange, Pink, and Blue Lines, which all have stations within the Loop. This robust network allows clients from diverse areas, including surrounding suburbs and other Illinois communities, to reach the office efficiently and without significant hassle, minimizing travel time and stress. Numerous bus routes also frequently operate in the vicinity, providing additional convenient options for public transport users. For clients who prefer to drive, there are ample parking garages and lots available in the immediate downtown area, although visitors should always factor in typical city parking considerations. The strategic and well-connected location of Scott Cruz's practice underscores his dedication to serving the wider Illinois employer community by making expert labor and employment legal counsel readily available and easy to access for all his clientele. This accessibility is a crucial factor for businesses seeking prompt and reliable legal assistance.

Scott Cruz represents public and private sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, offering both civil litigation defense and preventative counseling. His comprehensive services include:

• Employment Litigation Defense: He defends employers in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies against claims brought under significant federal and state statutes, including:
  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Retaliatory discharge claims
  • Breach of contract
  • Labor disputes
• Wage and Hour Compliance: Scott Cruz is particularly skilled in all aspects of state and federal law related to minimum wages, overtime, exemptions, and wage payment issues, helping employers avoid costly violations.
• Preventative Counseling & Policy Development: He assists employers in drafting, reviewing, and updating employment policies and employment agreements to ensure compliance with current laws and best practices.
• Workplace Investigations: Scott Cruz conducts thorough and impartial workplace investigations into various allegations, helping employers address issues effectively and mitigate legal risks.
• Legal Audits: He performs legal audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions, ensuring employers are proactive in their legal standing.
• Management and Employee Training: Scott Cruz provides training sessions for management and employees on various workplace legal issues, promoting a compliant and informed work environment.
• Enforcement of Agreements: He helps companies enforce non-competition and non-solicitation agreements and protect their trade secrets, proprietary information, customer relationships, and other valuable assets.
• Unemployment Compensation Claims: Scott has experience handling unemployment audits before the Illinois Department of Employment Security and defending unemployment compensation claims.
• Educational Institution Litigation: He has extensive civil litigation experience representing educational institutions and has a strong track record of successfully dismissing lawsuits for clients on motion to dismiss or summary judgment in various Illinois Circuit Courts (Cook, Will, Kane, Lake, and DuPage counties).

Scott Cruz's practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make him a highly effective and sought-after attorney for employers in Illinois:

• Extensive Experience: With over 20 years of legal experience in employment and labor law, Scott Cruz brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to every case.
• Employer-Focused Representation: His practice is solely dedicated to representing public and private sector employers, ensuring a deep and specialized understanding of the challenges businesses face in the employment realm.
• Proactive and Preventative Approach: Beyond litigation, Scott emphasizes preventative counseling, policy development, and legal audits to help employers avoid disputes before they arise.
• Recognized Industry Leader: Scott Cruz has received numerous accolades, including:
  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law - Management (2024)
  • Named a Labor & Employment Star by Benchmark Litigation (2020-2022)
  • Selected to Rising Stars by Super Lawyers (2011-2017)
  • Illinois Leading Lawyers (2020-2021)
  • Crain's Chicago Business, Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law (2022)
  • Crain's Chicago's Notable Minority Lawyers (2018)
  • Forty Under 40 Lawyers in Illinois, Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (2017)
  • 10 Best Labor and Employment Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Illinois, American Institute of Legal Counsel.
• Active in Professional and Community Organizations: Scott Cruz is a Board Member of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and Alivio Medical Center (a non-profit health center serving Chicago's Hispanic community). He is also actively involved with the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, Illinois Labor Advisory Board, Illinois Manufacturers' Association, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and other prominent business organizations.
• Appointed to Illinois Labor Advisory Board: He has been appointed and reappointed to the Illinois Labor Advisory Board by Governor JB Pritzker, demonstrating his influence and expertise in shaping labor policy in the state.
• Frequent Presenter and Author: Scott regularly presents to clients and organizations on critical topics such as effective workplace investigations and unemployment insurance claims, and he publishes articles on new employment law requirements, showcasing his thought leadership.

While law firms typically do not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" like discounts, Scott Cruz's practice provides inherent values and strategic advantages that serve as continuous benefits for his Illinois employer clients:

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Scott's focus on preventative counseling, legal audits, and employee training acts as a significant "offer." By helping employers implement sound policies and practices, he helps them avoid costly litigation, fines, and reputational damage in the long run. This proactive approach saves businesses substantial resources.
• Expertise in Complex Compliance: Given the intricate nature of wage and hour laws, and federal statutes like Title VII, ADA, FMLA, and ADEA, Scott's deep expertise in these areas is a critical "offer." He ensures employers navigate these complex compliance requirements accurately, minimizing legal exposure.
• Strategic Litigation Defense: In the event of a lawsuit, Scott's proven track record of successfully dismissing claims on motions to dismiss or summary judgment in various Illinois counties provides a powerful "offer" of effective and efficient litigation defense, aiming for early resolution where possible.
• Valuable Educational Resources: His frequent presentations and publications on crucial employment law topics, such as the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act, serve as ongoing "promotions" of valuable information for employers, helping them stay informed and compliant with the latest legal changes.

Employers interested in Scott Cruz's services are encouraged to directly contact his office to discuss their specific legal needs and inquire about consultation processes and fee structures.

For employers and organizations throughout Illinois seeking expert legal guidance in labor and employment law, Scott Cruz can be contacted directly using the following information:

Address: 300 S Wacker Dr # 3400, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Phone: (312) 986-0300

Mobile Phone: +1 312-986-0300

These contact details provide a direct line to his professional team, allowing prospective clients to schedule consultations, inquire about specific legal services, or gain more insight into how his expertise can benefit their workplace legal challenges.

For employers across Illinois, Scott Cruz stands out as an exceptionally suitable and valuable legal resource for all labor and employment law matters. His office, conveniently located in the prominent 300 South Wacker Drive building in downtown Chicago, offers excellent accessibility via public transportation, ensuring that expert legal counsel is within easy reach for businesses and organizations throughout the state.

What truly makes Scott Cruz an ideal choice for locals is his deep specialization and extensive experience in representing employers. His practice is not just about defending against lawsuits; it's about providing proactive counseling, developing compliant policies, and conducting thorough workplace investigations to prevent disputes from escalating. His comprehensive understanding of complex state and federal employment laws, combined with his frequent recognition as a "Leading Lawyer" and "Super Lawyer," underscores his high level of expertise and effectiveness. Furthermore, his active involvement in influential bodies like the Illinois Labor Advisory Board and various industry chambers demonstrates his commitment to shaping sound labor practices in the state. For any public or private sector employer in Illinois seeking a knowledgeable, strategic, and highly regarded attorney to navigate the intricacies of employment law, Scott Cruz offers the comprehensive support and trusted guidance essential for success and peace of mind.