Lori Deem
N/A
Licensed for 23 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Employment & Labor
Language
English
About
LORI L. DEEM, a Partner with Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd., is an experienced employment law attorney who has developed a highly regarded reputation as a strong advocate, strategic counselor and pragmatic problem-solver for her clients.During her 20+ years as an employment attorney, Ms. Deem has represented executives and individuals in a wide variety of employment matters, including severance and employment agreement negotiations, employment discrimination claims and retaliatory discharge cases. Her practice includes handling all types of discrimination and harassment, including individuals who have been subjected to age, race, gender, disability, national origin, pregnancy and sexual orientation discrimination. Ms. Deem regularly represents clients in all types of employment law forums, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, arbitration, mediation and in federal and state court.Ms. Deem has extensive experience representing C-Suite and senior executives in job transition and change-of-control situations with drafting and negotiating severance and employment agreements, as well as non-competition agreements, and other related executive matters such as shareholder and partnership agreements. She advises executive clients on equity and compensation issues involving long-term and short-term incentive plans, stock options, restricted stock unit agreements and other equity arrangements.Ms. Deem currently serves as the Employee Co-Chair of the Women's Affinity Group of the American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section. She is a past Employee Co-Chair and member of the Employment Rights and Responsibilities Committee (ERR) of the American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Section. Ms. Deem is a member of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), and the Chicago Bar Association (CBA).Since 2012, Ms. Deem has been recognized each year as a top employment attorney by Illinois Super Lawyers and Leading Lawyers, and Lawdragon has recognized her as one of the Top 500 Plaintiff's Employment Lawyers in the U.S. (2018-2021). Only the top 5% of lawyers in Illinois are selected as Super Lawyers, using a multi-step evaluation process involving a statewide survey of lawyers, independent panel research and in-depth evaluation of background and experience by practice area. Ms. Deem also is a frequent presenter and speaker on employment law topics.
Practices Areas
Employment and labor
Language
English
Contact
Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd.70 West Madison St.Suite 4000Chicago, IL, 60602
Office: (312) 698-3416
Website: N/AReviews
I contacted Lori at the strong recommendation of a former colleague when I experienced retaliation as a senior leader at a major company. Compared with other employment attorneys I have encountered in the past, Lori provides realistic yet empathetic insights on what you as a client can reasonably expect in a situation. Lori is candid up front and helps lead you through complex situations--based on her wealth of experience and legal skills. Lori's passion for her work and for helping individuals is a rare find in the profession.
I engaged Lori to help with some legal around equity, employment agreements, and other items relating to compensation. She proved to be very knowledgeable, helpful, and even more, an ace in my corner. Since then, I've even referred her to others I know and they have engaged her as well. She's top notch.
I contacted Lori for a very difficult exit negotiation I was preparing for with my former employer. The first attribute about Lori that stood out was her empathy. The second and third attributes that stood out were her knowledge and practicality. She helped me think through all of the various potential scenarios and how to respond to each one. She also helped me think about the kind of exit package I should seek. I got exactly the outcome I desired thanks to Lori’s advice and counsel.
Ms. Deem was recommended to me by a corporate attorney as someone he most respected on the other side of the negotiating table in employment law. She did not disappoint. She was responsive, personable and empathetic while being realistic, efficient and highly effective. I was uncertain if I had a case and she quickly triaged my situation and documentation to assure me I had a good case. We filed discrimination complaints at the state and federal level and ultimately settled without going to court - in a manner that permitted me to retire with dignity. Ms. Deem treated me as a whole person, providing guidance and assurances that eased the mental strain during the very stressful process of filing complaints against the imposing institution of a Fortune 500 employer. Her experience and expertise significantly played to my advantage. Without hesitation, I would recommend her to represent anyone experiencing unlawful discriminatory practices at their place of employment.
Lori Deem was my attorney for a complex matter. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. With her highly effective, unfailingly professional skills, she was able to achieve a resolution that I don't believe would have been possible in other hands.
When I interviewed Lori, it was after a long day of meeting other lawyers about a grievance against my international Fortune 500 employer. Besides her warm demeanor and organized office, I was pleasantly taken aback when instead of asking me to tell "my story", she wanted to know about my long-time career at the company. I didn't realize it at the time, but she was building my case when I wasn't even sure if I had one. To my benefit and delight, she had handled cases against my company, so she understood the complexities and hierarchical intricacies. At the end of the meeting, she was upfront about fees and what I could expect from her. Little did I know that she would exceed all of the expectation she set. Not only did she hold my hand through every single step of the (unfortunately grueling) process, but she also offered sound, strategic advice with the pros and cons for each important decision. Besides her professional demeanor and tenacious negotiating skills, she is a compassionate and kind person. Phone calls and emails were returned expeditiously, even if only to say she didn't have an update. In my opinion, she demonstrated exemplary customer service, grace under pressure, and strategic tenacity. That is the type of lawyer I needed on my side. I enthusiastically and highly recommend Lori.
I first consulted Lori on a sensitive grievance filed against my employer, and ultimately retained her as my representation throughout the mediation process. First and foremost, she is a brilliant legal mind, with a wealth of experience and case knowledge that was helpful in teasing out the nuances of my individual case. This knowledge base helped devise a strategy that greatly changed the trajectory of my grievance, and caused a major institution to take me seriously after 'blowing me off' for some time. Secondly, I sincerely appreciated the 'realness' of Lori's advice and strategy. I felt that she was also very straightforward in anticipating possible outcomes; this was very helpful in establishing expectations and responses to our actions. I cannot underscore how important this was for someone who did not have any experience of knowledge in employment law...it helped channel 'emotional' responses into a quantifiable legal object. Third, and plainly put, Lori is a really nice, personable, and empathetic individual. In a time where I was surrounded with lots of uncertainty, potential hostility, and doubt, her calming, professional nature helped me keep perspective, and remember that I am a talented individual who is capable of contributing to my professional field. This support was helpful during the grievance and mediation process, and has been valuable as well as I move forward and navigate my career. While I know she has an extensive list of clients, some of which are in much more prominent positions than my own, I always felt that I had her singular focus, and that my case was her most important client. I thoroughly enjoyed work with her, and would strongly, and enthusiastically recommend her to others.
I worked with Lori Deem for several months this year on a high profile, significant employment law matter. Lori is a true professional, offered excellent legal advice, and maintained great camaraderie and a balanced perspective through a very difficult situation. Lori's sound legal advice combined with her passion and concern for her clients makes her stand out in the field. I will work with Lori in the future and highly recommend her. I have already recommended her to others. She is outstanding in her field, a formidable lawyer, has an excellent track record, and is extremely client and outcome focused.
I contacted Lori at the strong recommendation of a former colleague when I experienced retaliation as a senior leader at a major company. Compared with other employment attorneys I have encountered in the past, Lori provides realistic yet empathetic insights on what you as a client can reasonably expect in a situation. Lori is candid up front and helps lead you through complex situations--based on her wealth of experience and legal skills. Lori's passion for her work and for helping individuals is a rare find in the profession.
I engaged Lori to help with some legal around equity, employment agreements, and other items relating to compensation. She proved to be very knowledgeable, helpful, and even more, an ace in my corner. Since then, I've even referred her to others I know and they have engaged her as well. She's top notch.
I contacted Lori for a very difficult exit negotiation I was preparing for with my former employer. The first attribute about Lori that stood out was her empathy. The second and third attributes that stood out were her knowledge and practicality. She helped me think through all of the various potential scenarios and how to respond to each one. She also helped me think about the kind of exit package I should seek. I got exactly the outcome I desired thanks to Lori’s advice and counsel.
Ms. Deem was recommended to me by a corporate attorney as someone he most respected on the other side of the negotiating table in employment law. She did not disappoint. She was responsive, personable and empathetic while being realistic, efficient and highly effective. I was uncertain if I had a case and she quickly triaged my situation and documentation to assure me I had a good case. We filed discrimination complaints at the state and federal level and ultimately settled without going to court - in a manner that permitted me to retire with dignity. Ms. Deem treated me as a whole person, providing guidance and assurances that eased the mental strain during the very stressful process of filing complaints against the imposing institution of a Fortune 500 employer. Her experience and expertise significantly played to my advantage. Without hesitation, I would recommend her to represent anyone experiencing unlawful discriminatory practices at their place of employment.
Lori Deem was my attorney for a complex matter. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. With her highly effective, unfailingly professional skills, she was able to achieve a resolution that I don't believe would have been possible in other hands.
When I interviewed Lori, it was after a long day of meeting other lawyers about a grievance against my international Fortune 500 employer. Besides her warm demeanor and organized office, I was pleasantly taken aback when instead of asking me to tell "my story", she wanted to know about my long-time career at the company. I didn't realize it at the time, but she was building my case when I wasn't even sure if I had one. To my benefit and delight, she had handled cases against my company, so she understood the complexities and hierarchical intricacies. At the end of the meeting, she was upfront about fees and what I could expect from her. Little did I know that she would exceed all of the expectation she set. Not only did she hold my hand through every single step of the (unfortunately grueling) process, but she also offered sound, strategic advice with the pros and cons for each important decision. Besides her professional demeanor and tenacious negotiating skills, she is a compassionate and kind person. Phone calls and emails were returned expeditiously, even if only to say she didn't have an update. In my opinion, she demonstrated exemplary customer service, grace under pressure, and strategic tenacity. That is the type of lawyer I needed on my side. I enthusiastically and highly recommend Lori.
I first consulted Lori on a sensitive grievance filed against my employer, and ultimately retained her as my representation throughout the mediation process. First and foremost, she is a brilliant legal mind, with a wealth of experience and case knowledge that was helpful in teasing out the nuances of my individual case. This knowledge base helped devise a strategy that greatly changed the trajectory of my grievance, and caused a major institution to take me seriously after 'blowing me off' for some time. Secondly, I sincerely appreciated the 'realness' of Lori's advice and strategy. I felt that she was also very straightforward in anticipating possible outcomes; this was very helpful in establishing expectations and responses to our actions. I cannot underscore how important this was for someone who did not have any experience of knowledge in employment law...it helped channel 'emotional' responses into a quantifiable legal object. Third, and plainly put, Lori is a really nice, personable, and empathetic individual. In a time where I was surrounded with lots of uncertainty, potential hostility, and doubt, her calming, professional nature helped me keep perspective, and remember that I am a talented individual who is capable of contributing to my professional field. This support was helpful during the grievance and mediation process, and has been valuable as well as I move forward and navigate my career. While I know she has an extensive list of clients, some of which are in much more prominent positions than my own, I always felt that I had her singular focus, and that my case was her most important client. I thoroughly enjoyed work with her, and would strongly, and enthusiastically recommend her to others.
I worked with Lori Deem for several months this year on a high profile, significant employment law matter. Lori is a true professional, offered excellent legal advice, and maintained great camaraderie and a balanced perspective through a very difficult situation. Lori's sound legal advice combined with her passion and concern for her clients makes her stand out in the field. I will work with Lori in the future and highly recommend her. I have already recommended her to others. She is outstanding in her field, a formidable lawyer, has an excellent track record, and is extremely client and outcome focused.
I contacted Lori at the strong recommendation of a former colleague when I experienced retaliation as a senior leader at a major company. Compared with other employment attorneys I have encountered in the past, Lori provides realistic yet empathetic insights on what you as a client can reasonably expect in a situation. Lori is candid up front and helps lead you through complex situations--based on her wealth of experience and legal skills. Lori's passion for her work and for helping individuals is a rare find in the profession.
I engaged Lori to help with some legal around equity, employment agreements, and other items relating to compensation. She proved to be very knowledgeable, helpful, and even more, an ace in my corner. Since then, I've even referred her to others I know and they have engaged her as well. She's top notch.
I contacted Lori for a very difficult exit negotiation I was preparing for with my former employer. The first attribute about Lori that stood out was her empathy. The second and third attributes that stood out were her knowledge and practicality. She helped me think through all of the various potential scenarios and how to respond to each one. She also helped me think about the kind of exit package I should seek. I got exactly the outcome I desired thanks to Lori’s advice and counsel.
Ms. Deem was recommended to me by a corporate attorney as someone he most respected on the other side of the negotiating table in employment law. She did not disappoint. She was responsive, personable and empathetic while being realistic, efficient and highly effective. I was uncertain if I had a case and she quickly triaged my situation and documentation to assure me I had a good case. We filed discrimination complaints at the state and federal level and ultimately settled without going to court - in a manner that permitted me to retire with dignity. Ms. Deem treated me as a whole person, providing guidance and assurances that eased the mental strain during the very stressful process of filing complaints against the imposing institution of a Fortune 500 employer. Her experience and expertise significantly played to my advantage. Without hesitation, I would recommend her to represent anyone experiencing unlawful discriminatory practices at their place of employment.
Lori Deem was my attorney for a complex matter. She is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate. With her highly effective, unfailingly professional skills, she was able to achieve a resolution that I don't believe would have been possible in other hands.
When I interviewed Lori, it was after a long day of meeting other lawyers about a grievance against my international Fortune 500 employer. Besides her warm demeanor and organized office, I was pleasantly taken aback when instead of asking me to tell "my story", she wanted to know about my long-time career at the company. I didn't realize it at the time, but she was building my case when I wasn't even sure if I had one. To my benefit and delight, she had handled cases against my company, so she understood the complexities and hierarchical intricacies. At the end of the meeting, she was upfront about fees and what I could expect from her. Little did I know that she would exceed all of the expectation she set. Not only did she hold my hand through every single step of the (unfortunately grueling) process, but she also offered sound, strategic advice with the pros and cons for each important decision. Besides her professional demeanor and tenacious negotiating skills, she is a compassionate and kind person. Phone calls and emails were returned expeditiously, even if only to say she didn't have an update. In my opinion, she demonstrated exemplary customer service, grace under pressure, and strategic tenacity. That is the type of lawyer I needed on my side. I enthusiastically and highly recommend Lori.
I first consulted Lori on a sensitive grievance filed against my employer, and ultimately retained her as my representation throughout the mediation process. First and foremost, she is a brilliant legal mind, with a wealth of experience and case knowledge that was helpful in teasing out the nuances of my individual case. This knowledge base helped devise a strategy that greatly changed the trajectory of my grievance, and caused a major institution to take me seriously after 'blowing me off' for some time. Secondly, I sincerely appreciated the 'realness' of Lori's advice and strategy. I felt that she was also very straightforward in anticipating possible outcomes; this was very helpful in establishing expectations and responses to our actions. I cannot underscore how important this was for someone who did not have any experience of knowledge in employment law...it helped channel 'emotional' responses into a quantifiable legal object. Third, and plainly put, Lori is a really nice, personable, and empathetic individual. In a time where I was surrounded with lots of uncertainty, potential hostility, and doubt, her calming, professional nature helped me keep perspective, and remember that I am a talented individual who is capable of contributing to my professional field. This support was helpful during the grievance and mediation process, and has been valuable as well as I move forward and navigate my career. While I know she has an extensive list of clients, some of which are in much more prominent positions than my own, I always felt that I had her singular focus, and that my case was her most important client. I thoroughly enjoyed work with her, and would strongly, and enthusiastically recommend her to others.
I worked with Lori Deem for several months this year on a high profile, significant employment law matter. Lori is a true professional, offered excellent legal advice, and maintained great camaraderie and a balanced perspective through a very difficult situation. Lori's sound legal advice combined with her passion and concern for her clients makes her stand out in the field. I will work with Lori in the future and highly recommend her. I have already recommended her to others. She is outstanding in her field, a formidable lawyer, has an excellent track record, and is extremely client and outcome focused.