Chicago-based law firm of Despres, Schwartz and Geoghegan Ltd is known for its strong practice in general labor law. For almost 40 years, the firm has represented various unions, employees, and workers’ groups of security guards, factory workers, auto workers, security guards, nurses, and others belonging in either the manufacturing or service sector. Today, it is primary counsel to two of Chicago’s largest labor unions – the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and Teamsters Local 743.

Founded by the late Chicago legal legend and former alderman Leon Despres, the firm specializes in complex litigation with a practice that covers, aside from general labor, civil rights, employment litigation, civil rights, public interest, consumer litigation, wills and trusts, and tax exemptions. Dubbed as Chicago’s “liberal conscience,” Despres is an acclaimed defender of civil rights and public interest cases.

The firm is headed today by founding partner Thomas Geoghegan, an experienced labor lawyer prominent for his work with the United Mine Workers and advocacy work toward union democracy for the United Steelworkers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Leading a small firm of 5 to 9 employees, Geoghegan and the attorneys of Despres, Schwartz, and Geoghegan, Ltd work toward advancing the interests of union members, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, calling for fair working conditions, and labor union organizing. The firm is skilled in class actions and have competently handled a big volume of lawsuits filed under the 60-day notice provided by the WARN Act.

Aside from labor litigation, the firm handles several public interest cases. It made headlines when it pioneered a major class action against handgun companies following the proliferation of handguns in Chicago public schools.

More importantly, the firm maintains strong ties with the community and is an active participant in civic life. Its attorneys are board members of progressive civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and BPI.