Craig Thorstenson concentrates his practice in the litigation of employment disputes and providing related counseling.
His experience includes defending numerous WARN Act, FLSA and Title VII class actions, prosecuting and defending actions over restrictive covenants, and handling complex labor arbitrations. He regularly acts as "in-house" employment counsel for several companies that elect to outsource their employment work.
Earlier in his career, Craig formed a partnership specializing in employment discrimination, primarily from the plaintiff's side, an experience that gives him a unique perspective when counseling and litigating.
Craig is a member of FordHarrison's Executive Committee and serves as the Managing Partner of the firm's Chicago office.
Recent Experience
- Craig represented Modine Manufacturing in Embry v. Modine, obtaining a verdict for the client in one of the first Family and Medical Leave Act lawsuits to go to a jury. He continues to regularly defend FMLA actions, most recently including Kemp v. Northwestern Memorial Hospital (N.D. Illinois), Maestro v. Northwestern Memorial Hospital (N.D. Illinois), and Renner v. CDW Corporation (D. Minnesota)
- Defeated former employer's attempt to obtain injunctive relief in the matter Cognex Corporation v. Lisa Eichler and Omron Electronics, Inc., (Massachusetts Superior Court)
- Defending Dresser, Inc. in a Title VII class action alleging that Dresser failed to hire a class of individuals based on their race, Reed, et al. v. Dresser, Inc., (Eastern District of Wisconsin)
- Representing THR & Associates in Lee v. THR & Associates, an FLSA collective action that is currently pending (C.D. Illinois)
Recent Speaking Engagements
- Panel Moderator, "Protecting the Business Through Restrictive Covenants," Law Bulletin Seminars Employment Law Conference
- Panel Member, "Social Media - - Preventive Measures in a New Age," Law Bulletin Seminars Employment Law Conference
- ADAAA, "Ensuring Compliance with Expanded Accommodation Requirements and Other Thorny Issues under the New Law," Council on Education in Management, Illinois Employment Law & HR Forum
- The ADA Amendments Act" and "FMLA: Actively Managing Leave Under the New Regulations and Case Law," 2011 Illinois Workers' Comp Forum
Honors and Awards
- Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business
- Best Lawyers in America - Labor and Employment Law
- AV® Preeminent Peer-Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell