Thompson Coburn Expands Growing Chicago Office with Employment, Immigration Partner Carlos Ortiz

Thompson Coburn announced that Carlos A. Ortiz has joined the Chicago office as a partner in the Employment and Immigration practices. He was previously a shareholder at Polsinelli and a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP.

Ortiz counsels clients across industry sectors in the areas of labor and employment, immigration and mobility, and also has extensive experience in consumer and class action financial services litigation.

“Carlos, with his impressive track record of client successes -- both as an advisor and a litigator -- strengthens our outstanding national capabilities and fast-growing Chicago presence,” said Katriina McGuire, Chicago Managing Partner. “His experience counseling major companies across industries will have an immediate, positive impact on our employment and immigration practices. We are pleased to welcome him to Thompson Coburn.”

Ortiz’s employment experience has a particular emphasis on handling harassment and discrimination claims, matters related to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), wrongful discharge cases and other state and federal employment statutes. He advises employers on compliance with safety standards that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces and has represented employers in related proceedings. He also has represented the employer-side in litigation involving the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). He has handled claims involving the enforcement of restrictive covenants and has successfully obtained temporary restraining orders and injunctions. Additionally, he counsels employers on risk management and compliance issues, as well as preparation of employee handbooks. On immigration matters, he works with employers to obtain appropriate work visas for foreign employees. He also counsels employers on Form I-9 compliance, Social Security no-match letters and international migration issues.

"Now more than ever, it is important that employers be certain that their employment practices are in compliance with the seemingly ever-changing developments in federal, state and local legal requirements and provide the necessary measure of protection," said Chuck Poplstein, co-chair of Thompson Coburn's Employment Litigation practice. "Carlos brings the type of sophisticated employment and immigration experience that helps companies avoid missteps. His talents and client-centric approach are a strong complement to our exceptional national team. We are excited to welcome Carlos to Thompson Coburn."

On consumer and class action financial services litigation, Carlos defends against claims arising from the application of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA), Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Illinois Collection Agency Act, Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and the Wisconsin Consumer Act, as well as various state and federal consumer and mortgage-related laws..

"I was drawn to Thompson Coburn's strong reputation across the board, but particularly in the area of employment law, built on a robust litigation platform," Ortiz said. "The firm has the national resources, the industry knowledge and the sophisticated support that will greatly benefit my current clients and my growing practice." Ortiz added that “Thompson Coburn’s commitment to diversity, as well as the firm’s culture, which is aimed at supporting attorneys and staff,” were key factors in his decision to join.

Ortiz was born and raised in Chicago, and earned a J.D. at the University of Wisconsin Law School and a B.A. at Northern Illinois University.

Ortiz’s addition comes closely on the heels of Thompson Coburn’s new Chicago partners Tina Bird, a business, construction and real estate litigator, and Genevieve LeFevour, who like Ortiz focuses on labor and employment issues. He brings the firm’s lawyer headcount in Chicago to 70.