David K. Haase

David K. Haase is a shareholder at Littler Mendelson P.C. in Chicago, where he represents employers in complex and high-stakes labor and employment matters. With decades of litigation experience, he has developed deep knowledge in wage and hour class and collective actions, trade secret and noncompetition disputes, orchestrated group departures, and executive-level employment litigation. He is also highly experienced in defending employers in class actions involving employee benefits and biometric information claims, making him a trusted advocate for companies navigating challenging legal issues.

David earned his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Carleton College. Following law school, he clerked for the Hon. Charles R. Norgle, Sr., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where he gained invaluable insight into judicial decision-making that continues to inform his practice.

Throughout his career, David has guided employers through disputes that carry both legal and business risks. He regularly defends companies against large-scale wage and hour claims, advises on restrictive covenant enforcement, and litigates sensitive matters involving senior executives. Beyond litigation, he has contributed to the profession through frequent publications, speaking engagements, and thought leadership on topics ranging from the Americans with Disabilities Act to diversity policy compliance. He also authored Drafting and Enforcing Covenants Not to Compete for Bloomberg BNA.

Recognized for his excellence, David K. Haase has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2013–2026) and Illinois Super Lawyers (2010–2019). He has earned the AV® Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been listed among Illinois’ Leading Lawyers. In addition to his practice, he serves as chair of Littler’s Pro Bono Committee and holds leadership roles with nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing health and education.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Littler Mendelson P.C.
• Former Co-Chair, Federal Bar Association, Chicago Chapter, Labor & Employment Law Committee
• Member, American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
• Member, Illinois Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law Section
• Secretary, Colon Cancer Alliance for Research & Education on Lynch Syndrome (C-CARE LS)

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Carleton College
  BA with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges