Kent Sezer
Mr. Sezer concentrates his practice in labor and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, he was the general counsel of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, where he provided legal advice to commissioners deciding claims of employment discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act.
In addition, Mr. Sezer coordinated the State’s defense of the Commission’s decisions in the Illinois Appellate and Supreme Courts.
Representative Matters
- Represents employers before the EEOC, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission and analogous state agencies.
- Argues cases in the Appellate Court Represents government employers in court and in front of administrative boards and commissions.
- Defends governmental employers in § 1983 litigation.
- Drafts legislation for consideration of the Illinois General Assembly.
- Drafts language for employee handbooks and policy manuals.
- Testifies in front of legislative committees.
- Drafts employee severance agreements and releases.
- Defends employers in federal court litigation brought under Title VII, ADEA, ADA § 1981 and related anti-discrimination laws.
- Advises employers regarding state law torts, such as intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent hiring and retaliatory discharge.
Professional Activities
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
Education
- Washington University School of Law, J.D., 1977, Order of the Coif
- Knox College, B.A., 1974, cum laude
Publications
- Age Discrimination-Kentucky Retirement Systems v. EEOC
published by Neal & Leroy, LLC, July 2008 - Rights Remedies and Procedures Under Illinois Law, a chapter in Employment Discrimination
published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2007