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We place a strong emphasis on teamwork, which enables us to leverage the breadth and depth of knowledge of all our attorneys, paralegals, and staff.

Thomas C. Garretson

Partner, Chicago

ph: 312-332-7760
Email: tgarretson@robbins-schwartz.com

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Practice Areas: Employee Benefits, Labor & Employment, Municipal

Thomas C. Garretson

Tom advises and counsels employers in the public and private sectors in all areas of labor and employment law, including workplace investigations, disciplinary action, leaves and accommodation requests, contract disputes, wage and hour issues, and general human resources compliance. Tom has significant experience working closely with management in traditional labor matters, including union organizing, collective bargaining and contract negotiations, grievances, and unfair labor practices. He also defends employers in state/federal court and before administrative agencies involving claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and breach of contract.

Prior to joining Robbins Schwartz, Tom worked as a labor relations attorney for the Cook County Health System. He also worked with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Enforcement Unit while in law school. 

Outside of Robbins Schwartz, Tom is a die-hard sports fan and, despite living in Chicago for   over a decade, his heart still belongs to his hometown Detroit teams as well as the Michigan State Spartans.

Education

  • J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • B.A., with honors, Michigan State University

Admitted to Practice

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • Supreme Court of Illinois

Organizations

  • Chicago Bar Association

Leadership

  • Labor & Employment Practice Group Leader

Recent Publications

  • “New Supervisors, Take Caution: Seventh Circuit Concludes Sudden Changes from New Management Could Constitute Age Discrimination,” Employment & Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2024)
  • Contributing author, “Labor Relations: Contract Administration Including Unfair Labor Practices,” Illinois School Law, IICLE (2024)
  • “Illinois Employers Take Note: Expanded Bereavement Leave Requirements Now in Effect,” Employment and Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2024)
  • “IDOL Publishes Proposed Rules for the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act,” Employment and Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)
  • “Illinois Employers Required to Provide Transportation Benefits Starting in 2024,” Employment and Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)
  • “Mandatory Paid Leave for Employees Coming to Illinois in 2024,” Employment & Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)
  • “Illinois Supreme Court – Federal Labor Law Preempts BIPA Claims Brought by Union Employees,” Employment & Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)
  • “Illinois Imposes New Pay Transparency Requirements on Employers,” Employment & Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)
  • “Illinois Department of Labor Adopts New Expense Reimbursement Rules for Employers,” Employment & Labor Law Flashpoints, IICLE (2023)

Recent Presentations

  • FMLA 101, Illinois ASBO Rising Leaders in School Business (July 2025)
  • The Continuing Impact of Executive Orders, Superintendent Commissions’ Summer Leadership Conference (June 2025)
  • FMLA 101 & 201, Illinois ASBO Annual Conference (May 2025)
  • Tenured Teacher Dismissals in Illinois Public Schools, 40th Annual Illinois Public Sector Labor Relations & Labor Law Conference (December 2024)
  • Navigating Payroll Laws, Illinois ASBO Bookkeepers Conference (March 2024)
  • Collective Bargaining Overview and Tips for Negotiations, Community College Trustee Professional Development Training, ICCTA Annual Conference (June 2023)
  • Navigating Payroll Laws – Wages and Recordkeeping Requirements, Illinois ASBO Bookkeepers Conference (March 2023)
  • Best Practices for Responding to Harassment and Discrimination Complaints, IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference (January 2023)

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