Jemelle D. Cunningham, Esq. Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

In 2010, I founded this Chicago Employment Law firm that specialized in age discrimination, racial discrimination, disability discrimination, sexual harassment, wage & hour disputes, wrongful termination, and retaliation. For 9 years, I then represented both Employers and Employees in legal matters and litigation, while supervising a team of Legal Assistants, Paralegals, Associate Attorneys, and Billers. Key Contributions:• Conducted in-house investigations of employee claims of sexual harassment and discrimination claims based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and sexual identification; provided legal opinions, analysis, and recommendations to employers to mitigate future risks and liability. • Defended employee claims against employer in state and federal courts and in administrative agencies, including EEO Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights, Illinois Human Rights Commission, and Illinois Department of Labor.• Investigated employee claims of illegal conduct against employer, including breach of contract; unpaid wages; sexual harassment; retaliation; and discrimination claims to determine if firm would litigate claims. • Conducted formal & informal witness interviews, prepared witness affidavits, obtained sworn testimony through depositions, conducted document reviews, drafted contracts, and represented employers in mediation & settlement conferences. • Prepared written interrogatories, documented production requests and requests to admit during litigation; subpoenaed, reviewed, and classified documents to support dedicated legal position. • Led firm trial team as Lead Counsel during multi-day trials, including questioning witnesses on stand to corroborate or impeach testimony, argue testimony and documents, in state court, federal court, and in local administrative agencies.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

At DePaul University, I created course content and delivered lectures to 2nd- and 3rd-year law students on Employment Discrimination. I focused the content on The Equal Pay Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and 42. U.S.C § 1981.

Romeoville, Illinois, United States

At Lewis University, I prepared and delivered instruction to pre-law traditional and non-traditional undergraduate students in the areas of Contracts, Torts, Real Estate Law, and Law Office Management. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and lab exercises, students gained an understanding of the application of the law to real-life situations, including current political events and business trends, in preparation for their legal careers. Students appreciated this approach, evidenced by my ratings in student evaluations, averaging a high of 4.9/5 and a low of 4.74/5. Also in this role, I served as an annual Host Employer to students completing curriculum-required internships, further preparing them for the world of work.

Juris Doctor

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science, Magna Cum Laude

Summer International Affairs Program

Inclusive Leadership Certificate Leading Strategic Change For Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice