Atty. Thomas E. Deer
Mr. Deer represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, race, sex, and disability discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts.
Employment Law Management & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Thomas E. Deer at a Glance
Thomas E. Deer is a employment attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association and Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association. Educated at Indiana University Maurer School of Law (J.D., 1994) and Yale University (BA, 1991). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Thomas E. Deer
- Mr. Deer represents management in a variety of employment-related matters, including litigation involving age, race, sex, and disability discrimination claims, covenants not to compete, trade secrets, wage and hour claims, ERISA claims, and other workplace torts
- Mr. Deer has been named in the 2009 and 2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America.Mr
- Deer has acted as lead trial counsel in employment discrimination/wrongful discharge cases in the federal district and state courts in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama and other states
- Mr. Deer’s EEO litigation experience includes the defense of single plaintiff, multiple plaintiff, and class action litigation.Mr
- Deer also practices traditional labor law
- His labor experience includes bargaining contracts, handling labor arbitrations, grievance administration, and the defense of unfair labor practice charges before the NLRB.Mr
- Deer is a frequent speaker and author
- He has been a speaker and moderator at American Bar Association meetings, including twice at the ABA’s Annual Meeting
- He regularly performs training for clients on all aspects of labor and employment law
Practice Areas Explained
Thomas E. Deer's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas E. Deer handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Employment Law in Chicago
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Thomas E. Deer is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Thomas E. Deer
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas E. Deer's practice in the field of employment.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association and Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association, Thomas E. Deer can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Employment Practice
Concentrating on employment means Thomas E. Deer's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Thomas E. Deer attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Thomas E. Deer Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Thomas E. Deer has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Thomas E. Deer directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Thomas E. Deer Online
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Thomas E. Deer's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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