Susan Lorenc
Partner
Chicago
312 580 2324
direct
- OVERVIEW
- EXPERIENCE
- INSIGHTS
- NEWS & EVENTS
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Education
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University of Wisconsin Law School,
J.D., 2002
Member, Wisconsin Women’s Law Journal
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University of Michigan,
B.A., Class Honors, 1995; 1998
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Admissions
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Illinois
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Wisconsin
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Illinois USDC, Northern District
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Illinois USDC, Southern District
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Wisconsin USDC, Western District
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US Ct Appeals, 7th Circuit (Covers IL, IN, WI)
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Affiliations
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American Bar Association
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Illinois Bar Association
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Wisconsin Bar Association
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Chicago Lawyers Committee, Board of Directors
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Recognitions
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Included in "Illinois Super Lawyers", 2019
Recognized as a "Rising Star", 2010-2016
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Selected as an "Emerging Lawyer" by Leading Lawyers in 2015
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Employment
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Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 2013-Present
Associate, 2001-2012
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Legislative Assistant to Michigan State Representative Mary Schroer
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Susan is an experienced and trusted employment law advisor who counsels employers at every stage of a personnel-related issue. She drafts policies, assists with hiring and firing, conducts workplace investigations, and provides seamless representation in state and federal courts on employment matters.
For companies with five employees to those with 5,000, Susan provides day-to-day counseling on a wide variety of matters including background checks, discrimination, retaliation, enforcement of covenants not to compete, wage and hours issues, and family and medical leave. She serves as a dedicated extension of a company's human resources department, offering responsive, practical guidance that is shaped by an organization's ultimate goals — not the other way around.
Susan has successfully prepared and argued substantive motions in state and federal court, in addition to mediations, arbitrations and appeals, including experience arguing before the 7th Circuit, which affirmed the granting of a summary judgment motion for her clients.
In recent years, Susan has developed special experience in classification issues for exempt or non-exempt employees and employer obligations for background checks and the Fair Credit Report Act, both areas of increased enforcement by the EEOC. She has also spoken extensively and counseled employers on the impact of legalized medical marijuana laws on workplace policies and employee discipline actions.
Obtained a partial verdict in an FMLA inference case in federal court jury trial
Lead counsel in winning dismissal with prejudice of retaliatory defense of discharge case
Obtained summary judgment in wrongful demotion suit and argued in support of the judgment before the 7th Circuit
Awarded summary judgment in shareholders’ breach of contract suit that sought over $800,000
Thompson Coburn Publications
New Illinois law prohibits non-competition agreements with low-wage employees
Technology companies: Are your employment policies due for a reboot?
TCLEs
Top 5 Employment Policies to Revamp this Year
Presentations
"Preparing for the Climb: Top 5 Employment Policies to Revamp this Year";
Thompson Coburn HR Seminar, March 2015
"Playing by the Book: Best Practices for Workplace Investigations";
Thompson Coburn HR Seminar, March 2014
"Looking Forward: Pre-Employment and Hiring Issues and Post-Employment Records";
Illinois State Medical Society webinar, December 2013
"Entrance & Exit: Pre- and Post-Employment Issues";
Kane County Medical Society, September 2013
"Professional Conduct: Harassment and Sensitivity Issues";
Numerous firm clients, 2012-2013
"Putting the Pieces Together: Keeping Current with Changes in Labor, Employment and Benefits Law";
Thompson Coburn HR Seminar, February 2011
"Emerging Workplace Issues Related to Social Networking";
Marmon Human Resource Conference, November 2010
"Employment Law Update";
Sterling Education Services seminar, February 2008
"Looking Toward the Future: Technology and the Evolution of Human Resources Law";
Thompson Coburn HR Seminar, January 2008
"Recent Employment Law Issues";
Marmon Human Resources Seminar, November 2007
"Non-Tax Burdens that Hit the Bottom Line";
Insurance Tax Conference, Inc. (Discussed developments and trends involving nontax economic burdens imposed by states on insurers and their policyholders)