J Bryan Wood

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, both employees and employers often face intricate legal challenges that require seasoned and insightful guidance. From disputes over wages and discrimination to complex issues of workplace compliance, having a dedicated employment law attorney is crucial for navigating these sensitive matters effectively. For individuals and businesses throughout Illinois, J. Bryan Wood stands as a prominent and highly respected figure in employment law in Chicago. With over two decades of experience, Bryan Wood has committed his entire career to advocating for fair and lawful practices in the workplace, making him an invaluable resource for the local community.

J. Bryan Wood's practice, operating through The Wood Law Office, LLC and Kaplan Law Illinois, is built on a deep-seated passion for equality and civil rights in the workplace. His dedication stems from personal experiences, including being paid below minimum wage and being asked to operate dangerous machinery as a minor in his first job. This firsthand understanding of workplace injustices fuels his commitment to ensuring that employees are treated fairly and that employers understand and adhere to their legal obligations. Bryan's unique background, having previously represented large corporations and now primarily focusing on employees while also advising select employers, gives him a comprehensive perspective on employment law from both sides of the table.

His extensive experience covers a wide array of employment law issues, from individual grievances like wrongful termination and harassment to complex class action lawsuits concerning wage and hour disputes. Bryan is known for his effective and assertive advocacy, which has resulted in the recovery of millions of dollars for his clients, often securing favorable settlements without the need for prolonged litigation. For employers, he offers proactive compliance advice and robust defense when litigation becomes necessary. J. Bryan Wood's commitment to protecting civil rights and promoting equality in the workplace makes him a powerful ally for anyone in Illinois facing employment-related legal challenges.

J. Bryan Wood's office is conveniently located at 303 W Madison St Ste 2650, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This prime address places him in the heart of downtown Chicago, a highly accessible location for clients throughout Illinois and the surrounding metropolitan area. The office is situated within a modern and well-known commercial building, making it a professional and straightforward destination for visitors.

The central Chicago location offers excellent public transportation options. The firm is within easy walking distance of multiple CTA 'L' train lines, including the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple Lines, which provide seamless connectivity from various neighborhoods across Chicago and its suburbs. Several city bus routes also stop in the immediate vicinity, offering additional flexibility for commuters. For clients who prefer to drive, numerous parking garages are available nearby, though it's always advisable to consider traffic and parking availability in a busy urban environment. This well-connected and central location ensures that individuals and businesses across Northern Illinois can conveniently access the specialized employment law services offered by J. Bryan Wood, facilitating essential consultations and meetings.

• Wrongful Termination: Representing employees who have been unlawfully fired due to discrimination, retaliation, or other illegal reasons.

• Wage and Hour Disputes: Assisting employees in recovering unpaid wages, overtime pay, and addressing issues related to minimum wage violations. This includes class action lawsuits for systemic wage issues.

• Workplace Harassment: Advocating for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment, racial harassment, or other forms of unlawful harassment in the workplace.

• Discrimination: Representing clients facing discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics.

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Issues: Guiding employees through their rights and employers through their obligations under the FMLA, and handling disputes related to leave requests or denial.

• Retaliation Claims: Protecting employees who have faced adverse actions from their employers after reporting illegal activities, filing complaints, or exercising their rights.

• Severance Agreement Review and Negotiation: Advising employees on severance packages and negotiating terms to ensure fair compensation and protection of rights upon job separation.

• Employment Contracts: Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating employment agreements, non-compete clauses, and other employment-related contracts.

• Employer Compliance & Defense: Advising select employers on best practices for compliance with federal and state employment laws to avoid litigation, and providing vigorous defense when disputes arise.

• Civil Rights Advocacy: Broader civil rights work, with a focus on equality and justice in the workplace.

• Sole Career Focus on Employment Law: J. Bryan Wood has dedicated his entire 20+ year career to employment law, providing him with unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in this specific field.

• Balanced Perspective: Having represented both employees (predominantly for over half his career) and select employers, Bryan offers a unique and balanced understanding of workplace dynamics and legal strategies from both sides.

• Proven Track Record of Success: He has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of clients through effective litigation and negotiation, including multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in complex race discrimination and wage and hour class action cases.

• Highly Rated and Recognized: J. Bryan Wood has earned the highest peer rating possible, AV Preeminent* from Martindale-Hubbell, and has been consistently selected to Super Lawyers for Plaintiff's Employment Law since 2016. He is also listed among the nation's Premier Employment Lawyers and America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators.

• Passion for Equality and Civil Rights: His advocacy is driven by a genuine passion for civil rights and workplace equality, stemming from personal experience and extensive study of these issues.

• Admitted to Multiple Courts: Admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Central, Northern, and Southern Districts of Illinois, as well as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th and 7th Circuits, enabling him to handle cases at various federal levels.

• Active in Professional Associations: J. Bryan Wood is an active member of numerous professional associations, including the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) and its Illinois chapter (NELA-Illinois, where he serves on the board), the Illinois State Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Section, and the Chicago Bar Association.

As a highly experienced and specialized employment law attorney, J. Bryan Wood and his firm, Kaplan Law Illinois (formerly The Wood Law Office, LLC), do not typically offer traditional consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." Their value proposition is rooted in their decades of dedicated experience, profound expertise in employment law, and a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients.

However, a significant benefit offered to prospective clients is the provision of free initial consultations. This allows individuals and employers in Illinois to discuss their specific employment law concerns without an immediate financial commitment, providing an invaluable opportunity to understand their legal options and how Bryan Wood's expertise can assist them. This commitment to accessibility in the initial stages underscores his client-focused approach. Fees for legal services are then discussed transparently, tailored to the specific needs and complexity of each unique case.

To learn more about J. Bryan Wood and his comprehensive employment law services in Chicago, you can reach him through the following contact details:

• Address: 303 W Madison St Ste 2650, Chicago, IL 60606, USA (Please note that some public records might also show 321 S. Plymouth Ct. Suite 1250J Chicago, IL 60604 as an office location for Kaplan Law Illinois, the firm he is associated with. It's always best to confirm the current primary office for consultations.)

• Phone: (312) 554-8600

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-554-8600 (This is the primary office phone number for J. Bryan Wood and his firm.)

It is highly recommended to call during standard business hours to arrange your free initial consultation. Further details about his practice areas, legal insights, and contact form can also be found on his official website, jbryanwoodlaw.com or kaplanlawatx.com/illinois.

For employees and select employers across Illinois, J. Bryan Wood in Chicago offers an exceptionally suitable and highly effective legal resource for all matters concerning employment law. His singular career focus on this complex field, coupled with over two decades of experience, ensures that clients receive expert and insightful counsel tailored to their unique workplace challenges.

The convenient downtown Chicago location ensures easy accessibility for clients from all over the state, making it a practical choice for individuals seeking to protect their rights or businesses aiming for compliance. Bryan's unique perspective, having advised both sides of employment disputes, allows him to anticipate arguments and develop more robust strategies, whether it's recovering millions for wrongful termination, fighting discrimination, or providing proactive advice to employers.

Moreover, J. Bryan Wood's unwavering commitment to civil rights and equality in the workplace, demonstrated through his professional affiliations and a career dedicated to these principles, resonates deeply with the values of the Illinois community. His consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer and his highest peer ratings attest to his standing as a trusted and effective advocate. For any Illinois resident or business navigating the complexities of employment law, J. Bryan Wood stands as a premier choice, offering not just legal representation, but a compassionate and strategic partner dedicated to achieving justice and fair outcomes.