Mr. Spognardi focuses on representing management in traditional and non-traditional labor and employment law matters, including counseling, litigation, and appellate work. His practice includes representation in unfair labor practice and representation proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board; union-free campaigns; employment discrimination matters before federal and state anti-discrimination agencies and federal courts; Section 301 lawsuits; contract negotiations and arbitrations; drug and alcohol testing; occupational safety and health (OSHA and state agencies); alternative compensation systems; veterans’ re-employment rights; WARN Act and RIF matters; federal and state wage and hour matters; employment at-will; wrongful discharge and whistleblower lawsuits; federal and state injunctive relief, strike management; human resource audits and employee handbooks; employment contracts; restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements; pension plan withdrawal liability; and various other employment related matters. Mr. Spognardi represents businesses in all industries, including manufacturing, transportation, banking and investment, food processing, textile, health care, retail, hospitality, construction, interim services, publishing, media and communications, and public sector interests.
Professional Activities and Achievements
Mr. Spognardi participates in many professional organizations. He also is a frequent speaker and lecturer on labor relations and employment-related topics before employer and industry associations. Some of his achievements include:
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated
- Illinois Super Lawyer
- North American Trucking Industrial Relations Association – Board Member; 2012 Program Director
- Midwest Textile Service Association – General Counsel (1999-2007)
- Society for Human Resource Management – Member
- American Bar Association – Member
- Peterson-Pulaski Business and Industrial Council – Member
Education
DePaul University College of Law (J.D. 1984)
University of Iowa (B.A. with honors 1980)
Bar Admissions
State of Illinois
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, including Trial Bar
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, including Trial Bar
U.S. District of Columbia Court of Appeals
