Brian Alcala practices exclusively in employment and labor relations law. He represents private employers nationwide in federal and state employment, labor and non-compete litigation, and before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). He counsels clients to help them comply with employment, labor and trade secrets issues. Brian advises clients on FCRA compliance issues and has handled numerous nationwide federal and state wage/hour class action lawsuits. In addition, he represents public and private companies in large and small transactions in which he conducts due diligence on labor and employment issues and drafts employment-related agreements.
Today I focus my employment and labor practice primarily in four areas, leveraging my extensive experience to help clients manage complex and high-profile cases.
I represent privately and publicly held companies of all sizes in employment discrimination matters throughout the country. Most recently, I defended a large publicly traded company in a discrimination matter brought by a high-level human resources executive, as well as several class action wage/hour cases.
I pride myself on being available to clients 24/7, especially when it comes to employment counseling. Whether the situation involves an employment termination scheduled in the next hour, a complex ADA/FMLA accommodation issue or the fine details of an executive employment agreement, I respond quickly with practical advice.
Since I began practicing law, I’ve represented private employers in traditional labor law matters involving collective bargaining, arbitrations, strikes and unionization attempts. I have successfully defended and filed numerous unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB.
I practice extensively in non-compete litigation, helping employers develop and protect trade secrets and other proprietary information. My name is associated with a number of published court decisions in this area.
I’ve been following the growing number of NLRB/EEOC enforcement actions regarding the agencies’ objections to civility, professionalism and confidentiality provisions found in employee handbooks and separation agreements. We’re developing strategies to mitigate risk in this area.
Chicago Tribune | November 08, 2018
Chicago Labor & Employment partner Brian Alcala is quoted in this article on how Illinois’ new Democratic governor may influence labor conditions in the state.
Society for Human Resource Management | August 21, 2018
Chicago Labor & Employment partner Brian Alcala is quoted in this story on how employers choose to handle poor performers—whether by demotion, firing, or discharging those passed over for promotions.
Chicago Tribune | April 10, 2018
Chicago labor and employment partner Brian Alcala is quoted in this article analyzing the popularity and effectiveness of laws aiming to close the gender pay gap by prohibiting employers from asking for a potential hire’s salary history.
Chicago Tribune | August 27, 2017
Chicago labor and employment partner Brian Alcala provides third-party commentary in this article about the vetoed Illinois' No Salary History bill.
Northwestern University School of Law, J.D.
University of Notre Dame, B.A., magna cum laude
Illinois
Indiana
Ohio
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana