Kristin Dvorsky Tauras
Partner
Kristin Tauras has a diverse litigation background and an ability to formulate solutions to complex legal and factual issues. Clients appreciate that she can take the most esoteric legal issues, hone in on the essential elements to solve the problem and explain them in terms that are easy to understand.
Biography
Kristin concentrates her practice at McKenna on employment law, professional liability defense, commercial litigation and insurance coverage. She has represented clients in various state and federal courts as well as in hearings at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.
The varied scope of Kristin’s practice and the extent of her skills and knowledge as an attorney go beyond litigation. A significant portion of her practice is devoted to representing small to medium sized companies as on-demand corporate counsel. In addition to representing companies in litigation, she also actively advises clients on employment practices and policies, contractual issues and how to avoid litigation.
Memberships
- Federal Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- McHenry County and Lake County Bar Association
- Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
- Co-Chair – Employment Law Committee 2009 – Present
- Speaker – IDC 2009 Fall Seminar
- Involvement as Amicus Curia on behalf of the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel in support of the Tort Reform Act
- Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association
- Claims and Litigation Management (CLM) Alliance
Education
- University of Iowa, BA, 1989
- DePaul University, JD, 1993
Admissions
- State of Illinois
- USDC – Northern District of Illinois
- USDC – Northern District of Illinois, trial bar
- USDC – Central District of Illinois
- USCA – 7th Circuit
Publications
The Rehabilitation Act – Does It Extend To Independent Contractors? (IDC Employment Law Publication, 2010)
Significant Changes in the Americans With Disabilities Act (IDC Quarterly, First Quarter, 2009, Vol 19, No. 1)
Embedded Microprocessors: The Other Y2K Problem (Illinois Bar Journal, 1999, Vol. 87, No. 12)
Courts Are Beginning to Permit Excess Insurers to Maintain Malpractice Actions Against Their Insured’s Attorneys (ABA Tort & Insurance Practice Committee News, Fall, 1998)
D & O Liability and the Year 2000: A Repeat of the 1980s? (Illinois Bar Journal, 1998, Vol. 86, No. 9)
The Sale of Asbestos Insulation, Incidental to Its Installation into Real Property, is a Protected Activity Under the Construction Statute of Repose (IDC Quarterly, First Quarter, 1998, Vol. 8, No. 1)
An Excess Insurer’s Right to Maintain a Malpractice Action Against the Insured’s Attorney: An Undecided Issue in Illinois (IDC Quarterly, First Quarter, 1998, Vol. 8, No. 1)
Construction Statute of Repose: The Sale of a Product, Incidental to Its Installation, Is a Protected Activity Under the Construction Statute of Repose (IDC Quarterly, Fourth Quarter, 1996, Vol. 6, No. 4)
Liability Insurance (IICLE, 1996)
Blog Posts and Articles
- MORE EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR OVERTIMEBeginning soon, more employees will qualify for overtime. The U.S. Department of Labor has increased the number of employee who qualify for non-exempt status, which… Read more: MORE EMPLOYEES QUALIFY FOR OVERTIME
- CHICAGO EMPLOYERS HAVE DOUBLE THE FUN BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024Expensive changes in the law for employers in Chicago are upon us. On July 1, 2024, a Chicago Ordinance will take effect doubling and expediting… Read more: CHICAGO EMPLOYERS HAVE DOUBLE THE FUN BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024
- Illinois Update- Business Interruption Coverage Does Not Include Losses from COVID 19 PandemicAt the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, two weeks into the Illinois Shelter-In-Place Order, I wrote a blog about insurance coverage for business losses due… Read more: Illinois Update- Business Interruption Coverage Does Not Include Losses from COVID 19 Pandemic
- Lessons From Virtual Bench Trials And Evidentiary HearingsThe Covid-19 Pandemic undoubtedly changed the face of litigation. In many Illinois state and almost all federal courts, hearings are done virtually. Everything from routine… Read more: Lessons From Virtual Bench Trials And Evidentiary Hearings
- Anatomy of a Dental Malpractice ActionToday’s reality is that most dental and medical providers will be sued. Below is a primer on the “anatomy” of a dental malpractice case. Lawsuits… Read more: Anatomy of a Dental Malpractice Action
- Reducing Risks of a Dental Malpractice ActionThe probability that a dental specialist will be sued is fairly high. It is impossible to avoid all lawsuits. As a defense attorney, we often… Read more: Reducing Risks of a Dental Malpractice Action
- Title VII and Pro-Life v. Pro-Choice Views in the WorkplaceUndoubtedly, this week and for many weeks, months or years to come, a hot topic of discussion among Americans will be the U.S. Supreme Court’s… Read more: Title VII and Pro-Life v. Pro-Choice Views in the Workplace
- DENTAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS ARE ON THE RISEDental specialists are increasingly being sued for professional malpractice. As one plaintiff’s counsel explained it, it is easier to get a Dental Specialist to settle… Read more: DENTAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS ARE ON THE RISE
- Woodstock, McHenry County, Lake County (Suburban) or Chicago Attorney – Does it matter where your attorney practices?Prospective clients call McKenna Storer’s Woodstock law office saying they have been sued and need a Woodstock attorney. Woodstock is the home of the McHenry… Read more: Woodstock, McHenry County, Lake County (Suburban) or Chicago Attorney – Does it matter where your attorney practices?
- UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE POLICIES FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSESSmall to midsize businesses often do not have legal teams to advise them on the types of insurance coverage they need to protect their businesses. … Read more: UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE POLICIES FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSES
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) Is A Must For New, Small And Midsized BusinessesAll employers should have employment practices liability insurance, otherwise known as an EPLI insurance policy. This is different from a workers compensation policy or a… Read more: Employment Practices Liability Insurance (“EPLI”) Is A Must For New, Small And Midsized Businesses
- OSHA – Emergency Temporary Standard Vaccination Requirements and MoreOn November 4, 2021, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) for the purpose of minimizing the risk of… Read more: OSHA – Emergency Temporary Standard Vaccination Requirements and More
- Where are the workers?The help wanted signs are everywhere. What happened to all the workers? There is not a single industry that is not affected by the lack… Read more: Where are the workers?
- Sexual Harassment Is A Pervasive Problem: Employers Need Policies, Training to Prevent and a Good Employer’s Liability Insurance PolicyBy now most of Illinois, if not beyond, is aware that yet another major celebrity (this time a famous Chicago radio host), has been accused of sexual harassment in court pleadings. It has been years since the Me Too movement began, and stories still arise about sexual harassment in the workplace. Still!
- Illinois Businesses Should Look At The Model ABA Rules For Guidance On Virtual PracticeMore than a year has passed since businesses moved to a virtual format in the wake of the Covid-19 global pandemic. Covid-19 is still circulating… Read more: Illinois Businesses Should Look At The Model ABA Rules For Guidance On Virtual Practice
- Illinois Right to Fire for Political Speech and ConductThe world watched as thousands marched in protest and others stormed the US Capital Building this past week. The identities of few but the faces… Read more: Illinois Right to Fire for Political Speech and Conduct
- Employers Can Avoid Penalties for Failing to Comply with Illinois’ Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training LawThe Illinois Workplace Transparency Act required all employers to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, and requires training thereafter on an… Read more: Employers Can Avoid Penalties for Failing to Comply with Illinois’ Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Law
- Mandatory Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Receive Approval from the EEOCEmployers may be able to mandate that employees get a COVID-19 vaccination before returning to the workplace. The EEOC has updated its COVID-19 webpage to… Read more: Mandatory Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Receive Approval from the EEOC
- Are “Karen Jokes” Just a Joke or Potential Evidence Against Employers of a Hostile Work Environment or Discrimination?We have all seen “Karen Memes” or heard the “OK, Karen” refrain stated in response to what is basically a white, middle-aged woman, in a… Read more: Are “Karen Jokes” Just a Joke or Potential Evidence Against Employers of a Hostile Work Environment or Discrimination?
- Illinois’ Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training- ReminderTime is running out. The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act requires all employers to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31, 2020, and on… Read more: Illinois’ Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training- Reminder
- Businesses Face Criminal Penalties Yet Gain Protection Under Illinois Mask RulesOn August 11, 2020, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker was successful in a second attempt to criminalize business owners who fail to enforce his mask rules. Under… Read more: Businesses Face Criminal Penalties Yet Gain Protection Under Illinois Mask Rules
- Employers Can Be Fined $2,500 For Failure To Enforce Mask RulesOn August 11, 2020, Illinois Governor. J.B. Pritzker was successful in a second attempt to criminalize business owners who fail to enforce his mask rules. Under… Read more: Employers Can Be Fined $2,500 For Failure To Enforce Mask Rules
- Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace after Illinois Legalized MarijuanaThe Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (“Cannabis Act”) legalized the use and possession of recreational cannabis for adults age 21 or older beginning January 1,… Read more: Maintaining a Drug-Free Workplace after Illinois Legalized Marijuana
- Deciphering Minimum Wage In Illinois Is Not An Easy TaskBy now, most Illinois employers know that the minimum wage in Illinois has gone up. Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation providing a path to an… Read more: Deciphering Minimum Wage In Illinois Is Not An Easy Task
- Employers Should Have a COVID-19-Return-to-Work Plan Before ReopeningAs more states loosen the COVID-19 Shelter in Place laws and people begin to return to previously sheltered business, it is essential that businesses have a plan for how that return to work will look and, equally important, convey relevant portions of the plan to its employees.
- Illinois Requires Written Sexual Harassment Prevention Policies For All Public ContractorsIllinois’ amended COVID-19 Shelter in Place rules permits essential workers, which includes most businesses that contract with the State of Illinois for essential services, including… Read more: Illinois Requires Written Sexual Harassment Prevention Policies For All Public Contractors
- Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Guidelines Are OutWith COVID-19 news taking center stage in our lives, it is easy to push aside Illinois’ new Workplace Transparency Act enacted to protect employees against… Read more: Illinois Sexual Harassment Prevention Guidelines Are Out
- Illinois COVID-19 Executive Order 17 Extends Immunity To Healthcare ProfessionsIllinois issued an executive order to protect healthcare workers against liability for negligent treatment of COVID-19 patients.
- Insurance Coverage And The COVID 19 PandemicAs more than a billion people are under some sort of quarantine law and numerous US states and foreign countries have “shelter in place” laws… Read more: Insurance Coverage And The COVID 19 Pandemic
- Illinois Employers Shelter In Place Order – Corona Virus (COVID-19) OutbreaksLess than three weeks ago, I wrote a blog regarding why employers needed to be prepared for the reality that the Corona COVID – 19… Read more: Illinois Employers Shelter In Place Order – Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreaks
- IDHR’s Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – Available March 31, 2020All Illinois employers must provide yearly sexual harassment prevention training starting this year. Illinois Public Act 101-0221 amended the Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”) ,… Read more: IDHR’s Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Training – Available March 31, 2020
- Illinois Employers Should Be Prepared For Corona Virus (COVID-19) OutbreaksIllinois has had only two confirmed cases of the Corona COVID-19 virus and both patients recovered. According to the Illinois Dept. of Health, there are no known, infectious Illinois residents at this time. Nevertheless, employers need to plan.
- Amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act Expand the Scope of HarassmentIllinois’ Human Rights Act has been amended to enlarge its scope of potential harassment violations, including both an expansion of the definition of employer as well as expansion of the definition of harassment and an extension of the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect non-employees.
- Check List of Major Changes in Laws Governing the Workplace in IllinoisIllinois has had significant changes in the laws governing the workplace in 2019 and 2020. Employers can be hit with serious legal consequences for ignoring these major changes in laws governing the workplace.
- Illinois Requires Mandatory Disclosures Of Sexual Harassment and Unlawful Discrimination JudgmentsIllinois, in its quest toward curbing sexual harassment in the workplace, has amended the Illinois Human Rights Act, to require annual disclosures of sexual harassment and unlawful discrimination in the work place.
- Illinois Employers Need to know About The New Laws Governing Employee Arbitration ClausesIllinois has new restrictions with respect to all employment agreement, including written arbitration agreements.
- Illinois Employers Need to Know About Mandatory Sexual Harassment TrainingIllinois employers need to be aware of the new mandatory sexual harassment training requirements.
- Employers Need to Be Aware of the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety ActIllinois hotels and casinos need to begin to prepare for a new employee safety law taking effect in 2020 known as the Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act,820 ILCS 325/5-10.
- The Illinois Workplace Transparency Act’s Effect on Sexual Harassment Nondisclosure and Nondisparagement ClausesIn a prior blog, I discussed Illinois’ continuing attempts to curb sexual harassment through its enactment of Public Act 101-0221. One important aspect of Public Act 101-0221 is the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act.
- Illinois Employers Need to Be Aware of New Sexual Harassment ProtectionsThere are many new laws giving Illinois employees more protection against sexual harassment in the workplace. On August 9, 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Public Act 101-0221 into law.
- The Equitable Restrooms Act to Take Effect in IllinoisIllinois has passed a law that requires all single-occupancy public bathrooms be labeled as gender-neutral. The Equitable Restrooms Act, which takes effect on January 1, 2020, mandates that all single-occupancy restrooms “in a place of public accommodation or public building” to be identified as “all-gender and designated for use by no more than one person at a time or for family or assisted use…
- Illinois’ New Tool Against Discriminatory Pay: The No Salary History LawGovernor Pritzker signed into law the No Salary History Law, which will advance equal pay in Illinois. The No Salary History Law will strengthen both… Read more: Illinois’ New Tool Against Discriminatory Pay: The No Salary History Law
- Which Pronoun Fits Your Employee?I was recently at a seminar at a large university where the speaker stood at the podium and stated, “Hi, my name is… and the… Read more: Which Pronoun Fits Your Employee?
- ISERRA- New Illinois Military Leave Law Now in EffectIllinois has a new law protecting Illinois service members’ employment rights while they are serving and protecting our country.
- SMALL COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW THE EMPLOYMENT LAWSSmaller companies often mistakenly believe that the state and federal employment discrimination laws do not apply to them because they are too small to be… Read more: SMALL COMPANIES NEED TO KNOW THE EMPLOYMENT LAWS
- Employers Beware: Chicago Minimum Wage Increases in 2019Chicago’s minimum wage is already the highest in the state and due to increase on July 1, 2019. Employers need to be ready for not… Read more: Employers Beware: Chicago Minimum Wage Increases in 2019
- Illinois Employers Must Update Employee Reimbursement Policies by January 1, 2019The Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act has been amended to require reimbursement of employees expenses, which may include higher ticket items like cellular phones,… Read more: Illinois Employers Must Update Employee Reimbursement Policies by January 1, 2019
- All Employers Need A Workplace Violence Policy or PlanEmployers need to be proactive in formulating a written policy for workplace violence. The news is replete with stories of workplace violence. A disgruntled ex-employee,… Read more: All Employers Need A Workplace Violence Policy or Plan
- Illinois Expanded Its ‘Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act’ to Require Paid Breaks for Nursing MomsThe Illinois Legislature recently approved amendments to the Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act, 820 ILCS 260, changing nursing mothersunpaid breaks to paid. Under 820… Read more: Illinois Expanded Its ‘Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act’ to Require Paid Breaks for Nursing Moms
- Benefits of Binding Mediation as an Alternative Dispute ResolutionTo most attorneys, alternative dispute resolution means resolving a case through either mediation or arbitration. A third rarely used Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is binding… Read more: Benefits of Binding Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Clients Need To Know About The Joint Defense Agreement Under Illinois Law For Cost Effective LitigationA joint defense agreement provides an exception to what would be the waiver of the attorney client and work product privileges. At least one Illinois… Read more: Clients Need To Know About The Joint Defense Agreement Under Illinois Law For Cost Effective Litigation
- Federal Courts Are Expanding Title VII Protections to Transgender Status and Sexual OrientationTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination “because of . . . sex.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a) (2012 Since its… Read more: Federal Courts Are Expanding Title VII Protections to Transgender Status and Sexual Orientation
- Kristin Dvorsky Tauras Named a Partner at McKenna StorerMcKenna Storer is pleased to announce the naming of attorney Kristin Dvorsky Tauras as its newest partner. Kristin combines a client-oriented focus with highly developed… Read more: Kristin Dvorsky Tauras Named a Partner at McKenna Storer
- Department of Labor Relaxes the “Unpaid Intern Test” in time for Summer Employment.This is the season when employers are finalizing their plans for summer interns. The summer internship gives students experience in the working world and the… Read more: Department of Labor Relaxes the “Unpaid Intern Test” in time for Summer Employment.
- What Employers Need to Know About the Legal Obligations of the Working InterviewThe typical job applicant will put their credentials on a job application or resume and the employer has to decipher through the job interview and background review process whether the credentials accurately reflect the applicant’s abilities and maybe more importantly, whether the applicant is a good fit for the company.
- Service Animals and the Americans With Disabilities ActWe often see people with service dogs on the street, in the stores, and on trains and it appears as if the number is growing.… Read more: Service Animals and the Americans With Disabilities Act
- All Employers Need To Know About The National Labor Relations ActEmployers too often take the approach that they do not have to worry about the National Labor Relations Act, most commonly called the NLRA, because… Read more: All Employers Need To Know About The National Labor Relations Act
- Sexual Harassment In The WorkplaceNew allegations of sexual harassment in the workplace appear in the headlines daily now. We have all heard the reports about Harvey Weinstein, former president… Read more: Sexual Harassment In The Workplace
- Courts Limit Hospital “Peer Review” ProtectionIllinois hospitals routinely use physician peer reviews and hospitals and other health care facilities quality control committees to improve the quality of patient care. These… Read more: Courts Limit Hospital “Peer Review” Protection
- The ADA Does Not Entitle Employees To Long Term LeaveA long-term leave of absence is not a reasonable accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act (“ADA”) , at least according to the Seventh Circuit.… Read more: The ADA Does Not Entitle Employees To Long Term Leave
- No Age Discrimination When Older Employees Terminated Based on Insurance ReasonsThe U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a suit accusing Indiana’s Lake County of violating the Age Discrimination in… Read more: No Age Discrimination When Older Employees Terminated Based on Insurance Reasons
- Protecting Access to Care Act – Passed by the HouseOn June 28, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed medical tort reform legislation intended to help lower the cost of health insurance by lessening… Read more: Protecting Access to Care Act – Passed by the House
- EEOC SETTLES DREADLOCK CASE AS A PROTECTED RELIGIOUS EXPRESSIONA common workplace dispute involves dress code polices and deviations from dress and grooming standards. These disputes often result in a religious discrimination suit claiming… Read more: EEOC SETTLES DREADLOCK CASE AS A PROTECTED RELIGIOUS EXPRESSION
- Illinois Employers Can Be Liable for Heinous Crimes Committed by Their Supervisor Off PremisesAn employer can be sued for a supervisor’s murder and rape of one of its employees, which took place while the employee was with the… Read more: Illinois Employers Can Be Liable for Heinous Crimes Committed by Their Supervisor Off Premises
- Illinois Has Already Amended its Employee Sick Leave ActOn January 1, 2017, the Illinois Employee Sick Leave Act went into effect. It requires employers to allow employees to use their personal sick leave… Read more: Illinois Has Already Amended its Employee Sick Leave Act
- 2017 Employment Case to Watch – Seventh Circuit Court To Rule On Sexual Orientation Discrimination ClaimNeither the US Supreme Court nor any federal circuit appellate court has held that discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited by Title VII. Title… Read more: 2017 Employment Case to Watch – Seventh Circuit Court To Rule On Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim
- EEOC Focus in 2017 – Employers BewareThe EEOC announced its Strategic Enforcement Plan for the fiscal years 2017 to 2021 which outlines the areas upon which the EEOC will focus its… Read more: EEOC Focus in 2017 – Employers Beware
- Businesses Cannot Discriminate Against Transgender EmployeesTransgender bathroom rights have been in the spotlight this year. The nation’s schools have been grappling with the issue of which locker rooms should… Read more: Businesses Cannot Discriminate Against Transgender Employees
- Illinois’ 6 Person Jury UnconstitutionalApproximately one year after a public law went into effect limiting the size of a civil jury to 6 persons, the Illinois Supreme Court has… Read more: Illinois’ 6 Person Jury Unconstitutional
- Employer Use of Covenants Not To Compete Threatened By New LawEmployees given access to the trade secrets, customer lists and other confidential materials vital to the operation of a business can easily use that information… Read more: Employer Use of Covenants Not To Compete Threatened By New Law
- Employers Under Pressure To Comply With Ban-The-Box LawsThe “ban-the-box” movement has grown across the United States. The purpose behind the movement is to encourage federal, state and local governments to enact employment… Read more: Employers Under Pressure To Comply With Ban-The-Box Laws
- The Hot Employment Law Issue That You Can’t Ignore: “Which Bathroom?”The calls from employers come into our office several times a week seeking legal advice about the use of bathrooms by transgender employees. It’s an issue that federal regulatory agencies and the U.S. Supreme Court are racing to address as transgender employees assert their rights. My advice to clients who own businesses may not be the easiest solution to enforce, but I believe it’s where the emerging laws on this topic will eventually settle.
- An EEOC Subpoena Can Greatly Expand The Scope Of The Initial Discrimination ChargeIn EEOC v. Aerotek, Inc., No. 15-1690, March 4, 2016, 7th Circuit, the EEOC filed suit against the employer and applied for an order to… Read more: An EEOC Subpoena Can Greatly Expand The Scope Of The Initial Discrimination Charge
- To Have A Cause Of Action An Employee Has To Apply For The Position Into Which They Were Not Promoted.In Jaburek v. Foxx, No. 15-2165, January 13, 2016, 7th Circuit, the employee filed a Title VII and Equal Pay Act claim alleging that her… Read more: To Have A Cause Of Action An Employee Has To Apply For The Position Into Which They Were Not Promoted.
- EEOC Rules That Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination Is Sex Discrimination Under Title VII Of The Civil Rights ActOn July 16, 2015, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a decision that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation states a claim of… Read more: EEOC Rules That Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination Is Sex Discrimination Under Title VII Of The Civil Rights Act