Partner
She has been consistently recognized as a successful lawyer in these practice areas by Leading Lawyers Network, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon 500, and in 2024 she was named in the Law Bulletin’s 40 Under Forty Illinois Attorneys to Watch list. Ms. Schwartz litigates in state and federal courts and administrative agencies, and has experience resolving employment issues ranging from discrimination and accommodation claims, to wage-and-hour issues. In 2018, Ms. Schwartz was honored by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless for providing outstanding contributions to justice for those experiencing homelessness in the course of her civil rights practice.
Ms. Schwartz joined the firm in 2015. Prior to joining the firm, she was an Assistant Appellate Defender at the Office of the Illinois State Appellate Defender, where she obtained significant relief for her clients, including outright reversals of conviction and remands for a new trial. Ms. Schwartz also previously worked as a litigation associate at Arnold & Porter, LLP, in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Schwartz graduated magna cum laude from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where she was a staff editor and published note author for the Washington University Law Review, a successful two-time competitor on the ABA National Moot Court Team, and a Legal Practice teaching assistant.
I had the best experience ever with this business! Kate Schwartz was amazing! I wouldn’t hesitate a second if I needed their services again. I’d recommend this business to anyone looking to receive top notch customer service!
Domestic Violence Disclosure Discrimination
No one expects to find themselves in this situation, but when it happens, choose legal counsel wisely. I am a female executive with over 2 decades as a top leader, with global personal brand eminence, and I love to win, especially as a team. My personal life took an unexpected turn into domestic violence, and after disclosing the situation to my employer, I was terminated. Going through a contentious divorce, 2 kids in college, and having fled my home for safety, this happened. Lori Deem was my confidant and heroine. Not only because we deeply partnered and she drove a more lucrative and fairer outcome on my behalf, but also as an objective, kind human, who listened, shot me straight, and validated what happened to me. Not only did she negotiate a more favorable outcome, but her support, both professionally and emotionally, allowed me to process my situation much faster and put it behind me, to focus on my future. She included a colleague, Kate Schwarz, on our calls, who I also love! She is a great listener, intelligent, and added additional insights that helped all of us approach with the most solid strategy. The best part is that I gained new friends whom I know I will be in touch with and work with as I engage in my next endeavor. Thank you, Lori. Thank you, Kate. Thank you both for believing in me, counseling me, supporting me, and winning together! I hate we met this way, but I’m eternally grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Employment
Kate was exceptional to work with throughout the legal process. She was kind and empathetic to my situation, strategic and knowledgeable in how to best approach resolution, and ultimately helped me achieve the best-case outcome. Kate is an excellent employment attorney and I would recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of needing an employment attorney.
My representation was 1st class, to me since day one, clear and understandable and responsible. Kate E. Schwartz was the professional that attended my legal needs and I was greatly honored to have her as my representative.
Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D. 2010, magna cum laude)
University of Michigan (B.A. 2007, with high distinction)
Michigan (2010)
District of Columbia (former member) (2011)
Illinois (2012)
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Named to 40 Under 40 by Law Bulletin Media 2024
Named to the Rising Stars list in Illinois by Super Lawyers® in Civil Rights litigation (2020-2025)
Named to the Emerging Lawyer list by Leading Lawyers® in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law (2020-2025)
Named in the Lawdragon 500 Guide as a Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyer (2021-2025)
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois
Member, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
Employment Lawyering 101, Presentation for NELA Illinois Lunch & Learn Series (Apr. 9, 2024)
Understanding and Preventing Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace, Presentation to First Defense Legal Aid (Nov. 6, 2020).
Cash Bail in Cook County, Illinois: Application and Efforts for Reform, presentation at Seventh Circuit Judicial Conference, Criminal Breakout Session (May 6, 2019).
Ethical and Best Practice Issues When Representing Whistleblowers in FCA Cases, Presentation at University of Illinois College of Law Class on Compliance, Ethics, and Professional Responsibility (Apr. 21, 2017).
Federal and Illinois Law Covering Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Presentation to Community Activism Law Alliance (May 27, 2016).
Criminal Liability For Internet Culprits: The Need For Updated State Laws Covering The Full Spectrum Of Cyber Victimization, Washington University Law Review, 87 Wash. U. L. Rev. 407 (2009).
English
