Dana S. Connell has practiced exclusively in the field of employment litigation for more than 29 years, representing companies in all types of employment matters. He has litigated cases of all sizes under a variety of employment and labor laws, including:

• Title VII
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (Titles I and III)
• Section 1981
• The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• The Employee Retirement Income Security Act
• The Equal Pay Act
• The Labor Management Relations Act (§1981 and §301)
• The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
• The Fair Labor Standards Act
• The state law equivalents

He has argued numerous times before the federal courts of appeal, including the Seventh Circuit in Chicago and the Sixth, Eighth and District of Columbia Circuits. He also practices in state courts and before the Illinois Department of Human Rights and Human Rights Commission, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other state agencies.

Dana's practice involves the defense of claims that arise in the context of the employment relationship, from discrimination to restrictive covenants, trade secrets and unfair competition. Specifically, he has defended against claims involving:

• Discrimination
• Sexual and racial harassment
• Retaliation
• Defamation
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Public policy retaliatory discharge
• Battery
• Fraud
• Breach of contract
• Promissory estoppels
• Negligent retention
• Intentional interference with prospective economic advantage
• Invasion of privacy 

Additionally, Dana represents employers in labor arbitrations and mediation. He also engages in a wide range of activities designed to help clients take necessary actions while minimizing liability, including advising on discipline and termination matters, compliance, FMLA issues, pre-employment screening, reductions-in-force, and in-house training.

Dana has been interviewed for and has published articles on a variety of subjects, including the ADA, FMLA, ADEA, sexual harassment, and workplace violence. He speaks extensively on employment law topics and has testified before the Commission on Civil Rights regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Dana helped to open Littler Mendelson's Chicago office in 1997 and currently serves on the firm's shareholder compensation and nominating committees.

In law school, Dana was lead articles editor for the Washington & Lee Law Review.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, Illinois Bar Association
• Member, Labor and Employment Law Section - American Bar Association
• President and Chair, Lawrence Hall Youth Services of Chicago, 1999-2003 
• President, Indian Hill Club, 2005-2006

RECOGNITION

• Recipient, Gene B. Meier Award, 2003
• Named, Leading Illinois Attorney in Employment Law