William G. Wake

William (Will) joined Laner Muchin in 2013 and is a partner at the Firm. Will is a management-side labor and employment attorney with extensive experience advising and representing employers across a broad range of workplace matters. His practice focuses on collective bargaining, day-to-day labor relations counseling, and defense of employers before administrative agencies such as the National Labor Relations Board. He regularly assists clients in negotiating union contracts, navigating complex labor disputes, and ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws.

With a pragmatic and strategic approach, Will works closely with human resources professionals and leadership teams to address workplace issues proactively and minimize risk. His deep understanding of labor law and agency procedures allows him to deliver effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Will brings a steady hand and clear communication to every matter, helping employers maintain productive relationships with their workforce while achieving their organizational goals.

HONORS, MEMBERSHIPS AND PUBLICATIONS

• 2017 Illinois Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Co-Author, The NLRB Turns Employer Handbooks From Useful Evidence To Potential Liabilities Under The NRA, 2016 Employment Law Update

Below are representative samples of the types of matters Will handles on behalf of Laner Muchin clients:

Defends employers in class action wage and hour matters.

Defends employers in employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

Conducts corporate investigations on behalf of employers on a broad-range of topics, including investigations of alleged harassment, retaliation, discrimination and other matters.

Provides ongoing employment counseling advice to a variety of clients, including those in the temporary staffing, logistics, distribution, educational, manufacturing and other industries. Such advice includes, but is not limited to, advising clients on terminations/workouts, accusations of harassment and discrimination, regulatory compliance and how to comply with various state laws.

Provides training to executives and managers on a range of employment-related topics including leave and disability, discrimination and harassment, social media, hiring, background checks, effective documentation/discipline practices and a variety of other employment-related topics.