Litigators support Chicago pro bono program with successful settlement in first appointed case

Susan Lorenc

Thompson Coburn attorneys secured a favorable result for a pro bono client in one of the firm’s first cases with the Settlement Assistance Program, a volunteer program that connects Chicago litigators with low-income plaintiffs in employment discrimination cases. The program is run by the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law.

Business litigation partner Susan Lorenc represented the client, the supervisor of a moving company who alleged his former employer discriminated against him on the basis of race, national origin and age. After hours of pro bono work and a successful mediation hearing, the parties reached an agreement that benefits the plaintiff and spares the defendant company from prolonged litigation with a pro se plaintiff unfamiliar with the judicial system.

The majority of SAP cases are employment disputes, but the program also addresses housing discrimination, prisoners’ rights, and excessive force cases against the police department.

Lorenc led the settlement discussions for the client.

While no formal training is required, the Settlement Assistance Project does offer a free training program that provides instruction and guidance from several federal court judges.