Kate Schwartz is a Partner of Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. Ms. Schwartz represents clients in a broad range of complex litigation matters, with a concentration in the areas of labor and employment, civil rights, and constitutional law.

She was recently recognized by Leading Lawyers Network as an Emerging Lawyer recommended in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law and by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in the area of Civil Rights litigation. 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.

HSPRD (and, specifically, Attorney Kate Schwartz) handled an employment matter for me recently. It was an emotional experience, and came at a time when I was very vulnerable. Ms. Schwartz was outstanding in two ways: First, she has a keen knowledge of applicable laws, and is brilliant in expressing that. She also is quick to conclude challenging legal matters effectively and efficiently. Second, Ms. Schwartz is exceptionally caring and never made me feel like I was just another client, just another case. She made it clear that she truly cared what happened to me, and truly wanted to help. I highly recommend HSPRD and Kate Schwartz.

K.S.

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!

G.H.

I believe it was destined for me to meet Bill solely by accident so my life can change 180 degrees. I was randomly selected for a diversity visa (DV) and I wanted to adjust my status (AoS) while in the US as I had a job with an H1-b visa then. Initially, I filed my DS-260 application requesting to have my DV interview in a consulate outside the US. But, because of COVID, consular interviews were delayed and I found a job in the USA in June. I have consulted many attorneys who were not excited to take my case as AoS takes 1-2 years while I only had 3 months for my case to get approved. However, Bill decided to take the risk and was confident that there was a very good chance of success if we have planned it right.

From day one, Bill and his associate (Naiara) worked tirelessly to get my paperwork done.
Their efforts, efficiency, swiftness, and professionalism were like no other! They updated me every day and every step of the way. They made contacting and communicating with them super easy and accessible. They knew exactly what they were doing from the beginning, always anticipated what might go wrong and had plan B for them. Their enormous effort in contacting KCC (which was extremely difficult then) and pushing them to the limits made THE difference.

I have no single doubt that they will be my first choice in all future immigration issues/queries, either for me or for my family and friends.

Mohammed H.

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.

JG
Senior Vice President, Life Sciences Consulting
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Education

Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D. 2010, magna cum laude)

University of Michigan (B.A. 2007, with high distinction)

Admissions

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

Professional Recognition

Named to the Rising Stars list in Illinois by Super Lawyers® in Civil Rights litigation (2020-2024)

Named to the Emerging Lawyer list by Leading Lawyers® in Civil Rights/Constitutional Law and Employment Law (2020-2023)

Named in the Lawdragon 500 Guide as a Leading Plaintiff Employment & Civil Rights Lawyer (2021-2023)

Memberships / Associations

Member, Illinois State Bar Association

Member, Women’s Bar Association of Illinois

Member, National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)

Presentations & Publications

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).

Employment Lawyering 101, Presentation for NELA Illinois Lunch & Learn Series (Apr. 9, 2024)

Languages

English

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