Natalie C. Chan

Natalie C. Chan focuses her practice on complex employment matters and commercial disputes involving litigation, investigations, counseling, and transactional support. She advises clients across life sciences, healthcare, technology, higher education, finance, insurance, sports, and retail, helping organizations manage risk, resolve disputes, and address workplace challenges with practical, business-focused legal strategies.

Natalie earned her undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, receiving a B.S. in 2011, magna cum laude. She later completed her legal education at Washington University School of Law, earning a J.D. in 2014, Order of the Coif, magna cum laude. During law school, she served as managing editor of the Washington University Law Review and contributed to academic instruction.

Natalie represents employers before federal and state courts and government agencies in class, collective, and multi-plaintiff matters. Her litigation work covers discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, contract issues, and restrictive covenants, guiding businesses through high-stakes disputes while protecting operational stability and reputational interests.

Natalie also counsels employers on compliance with employment laws and workplace policies throughout the employee life cycle. She drafts employment agreements, advises on crisis management, and delivers training on workplace culture, anti-harassment, and anti-discrimination. Her practice includes internal investigations addressing misconduct and policy violations at all organizational levels.

Natalie has been recognized for professional excellence and service, including being named an “On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyer” by the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. She has also been listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for Labor and Employment Law — Management and received the Thomas H. Morsch Award for Pro Bono Achievement.

Natalie C. Chan maintains a strong commitment to public service, with extensive pro bono work in employment law, veterans’ benefits, and capital litigation. Her efforts contributed to impactful legal outcomes for veterans and individuals facing significant legal challenges, reflecting a career dedicated to fairness, access to justice, and thoughtful advocacy.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, Board of Directors
• Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
• Member, National Employment Law Council

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Washington University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northwestern University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges