Joel Zeid focuses his practice exclusively on representing and counseling employers in labor and employment matters.
As part of his practice, Joel defends employers against a wide range of workplace claims, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims, as well as claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. He also represents clients in state and federal courts in disputes involving noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with business and contractual relationships. In these matters, Joel regularly seeks and opposes temporary and permanent injunctive relief on behalf of his clients.
In addition to his litigation practice, Joel provides management with strategic, practical counsel on employment policies, regulatory compliance, and litigation risk. He has substantial experience drafting and revising employee handbooks and helping employers develop workplace policies that address legal requirements and business needs.
Joel manages complex litigation from inception through resolution, including discovery, dispositive motions, settlement, and appeal. He has secured dismissals and summary judgments, resolved high-exposure matters, and obtained favorable appellate decisions. Joel brings a practical, strategic, and client-centered approach to matters across a diverse range of industries.
Before joining FordHarrison, Joel served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Rights and Torts Division of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. In that role, he represented Cook County employees and Cook County Sheriff’s Office employees in complex civil rights and tort litigation in state and federal courts.
While in law school, Joel served as a Judicial Intern to the Honorable Senior District Judge Richard E. Webber in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri, and as a Legal Extern in the U.S. Attorney's Office Western District of Missouri.