Stowell & Friedman, Ltd.

Stowell & Friedman, Ltd. is a premier boutique litigation firm nationally recognized for championing employees’ civil rights. With a steadfast focus on employment discrimination, constitutional violations, and whistleblower retaliation, the firm has obtained over $1 billion in relief for victims of workplace injustice. For more than three decades, it has been a trusted advocate in some of the country's most impactful employment class actions, litigating against Fortune 500 companies and securing transformative legal and structural change.

Stowell & Friedman, Ltd. delivers strategic, personalized legal solutions through a meticulous, evidence-based approach. Known for groundbreaking work in sex and race discrimination cases, the firm leverages cutting-edge data analytics and e-discovery to unearth systemic bias in hiring, pay, and promotion practices. Class actions such as Cremin v. Merrill Lynch and McReynolds v. Merrill Lynch have not only yielded historic settlements—$250 million and $160 million, respectively—but also reformed discriminatory policies across the financial industry.

Stowell & Friedman, Ltd. is equally committed to individualized representation through its Executive & Employee Counseling practice. Whether advising on contract negotiations, severance agreements, or exit strategies, attorneys provide pragmatic counsel that minimizes disruption while safeguarding long-term professional and personal interests. Every case is handled with the utmost discretion, ensuring confidentiality and protection of client priorities.

Stowell & Friedman, Ltd. has earned the trust of courts and clients alike. Federal judges have recognized their attorneys as among the most capable advocates to appear in their courtrooms, citing “exceptional results” and “outstanding” appellate and trial advocacy. From firefighters and scientists to Wall Street professionals, clients across all industries have relied on the firm’s creative legal strategies and resolute commitment to justice.

Stowell & Friedman, Ltd. is more than a litigation powerhouse; it is a force for societal change. Its attorneys have played instrumental roles in shaping civil rights legislation, including the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and efforts to eliminate mandatory arbitration in discrimination claims. Recognized as a Civil Liberties Champion by the ACLU of Illinois, the firm continues to advance legal protections for employees nationwide.