Gregory Lacey

Managing Counsel, Employment

Greater Chicago Area

About

I am a results-oriented employment attorney with a broad range of experience in employment law, including employment litigation (involving ADA, ADEA, FLSA and Title VII claims), counseling, investigations, trials, arbitrations, mediations and reductions in force. I leverage my experience, interpersonal skills and relationship-building expertise to form partnerships with business leaders and HR professionals to accomplish corporate objectives. Currently, I serve as Senior Counsel II in the Legal Department of Publicis Re:Sources, a Publicis Groupe company. Publicis Groupe is a multinational advertising and public relations company, comprised of several full-service advertising agencies. Publicis is an innovative and forward-thinking industry leader on a global platform, and is the oldest and one of the largest marketing and communications entities in the world. The Employment Team of the Legal Department affords me the opportunity to work closely with a collaborative group of attorneys in a fast-paced, yet collegial environment. Collectively, we allow innovative thinkers in a global market function at their best in serving a broad spectrum of clients. Highlights of key competencies include:  * Partnering with senior leaders and human resources professionals to successfully navigate changes in employment lays that may affect business. * Advising human resources representatives on complex and day-to-day employment issues. * Providing advice and strategic support to human resources teams regarding leaves of absence, disability management, and reasonable accommodations. * Conducting sensitive employment-related investigations involving harassment, discrimination and retaliation. * Handling special projects.

Experience

  • Senior Counsel II at Publicis Re:Sources USA, a Publicis Groupe Company
    Oct 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 9 mos

    I am a results-oriented employment attorney with a broad range of experience in employment law, including employment litigation (involving ADA, ADEA, FLSA and Title VII claims), counseling, investigations, trials, arbitrations and mediations and reductions in force. I leverage my experience, interpersonal skills and relationship-building expertise to form partnerships with business leaders and HR professionals to accomplish corporate objectives. Currently, I serve as Senior Counsel II in the Legal Department of Publicis Re:Sources, a Publicis Groupe company. Publicis Groupe is a multinational advertising and public relations company, comprised of several full-service advertising agencies. Publicis is an innovative and forward-thinking industry leader on a global platform, and is the oldest and one of the largest marketing and communications entities in the world. The Employment Team of the Legal Department affords me the opportunity to work closely with a collaborative group of attorneys in a fast-paced, yet collegial environment. Collectively, we allow innovative thinkers in a global market function at their best in serving a broad spectrum of clients. Highlights of key competencies include:  * Partnering with senior leaders and human resources professionals to successfully navigate changes in employment lays that may affect business.  * Advising human resources representatives on complex and day-to-day employment issues.  * Providing advice and strategic support to human resources teams regarding leaves of absence, disability management, and reasonable accommodations.  * Conducting sensitive employment-related investigations involving harassment, discrimination and retaliation.  * Handling special projects.

  • Principal, Labor & Employment at Gregory L. Lacey, P.C.
    Oct 2013 - Present · 12 yrs 9 mos

    Represent clients in employment litigation matters involving the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII claims, retaliation and wrongful termination. Regularly represent employers before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Illinois Department of Human Rights and in state and federal courts on employment matters. Represent employers in labor arbitrations, mediation and at trial. Conduct investigations on allegations of employee misconduct in the workplace. Counsel clients regarding employee training; prepare employee handbooks; and draft employment and severance agreements. Handle commercial litigation matters involving dealer financing in state and federal courts. Partner with clients to achieve effective outcomes.

  • Corporate Counsel at Adtalem Global Education
    Sep 2017 - Jun 2018 · 10 mos

    Responsible for managing employment litigation and routine litigation on behalf of the company. Also responsible for overseeing Adtalem's immigration.

  • Member, Labor & Employment Group at Dykema Gossett PLLC
    Oct 2003 - Sep 2013 · 10 yrs

    Served as relationship partner for several clients. Was responsible for overseeing all phases of the litigation process including case strategy and serving as lead counsel at trial. Manage associate attorneys and paralegals working on Title VII, retaliation and Fair Labor Standards Act matters in federal court and before the EEOC and Illinois Department of Human Rights. Represented employers before the U.S. and Illinois Departments of Labor. Manage other commercial litigation matters involving dealer financing in state and federal court. Prepared and presented high-level company representatives for deposition and trial. Prepared experts for depositions. Conducted depositions of opponents’ experts. Participated in client counseling and training regarding workplace issues. Conducted extensive client development and cross-selling throughout firm. Partnered with clients to achieve effective outcomes. Served as mentor to associate attorneys and summer associates. Was member of Dykema's Recruiting and Diversity Committees.

  • Assistant Corporation Counsel at Law Department, City of Chicago
    2001 - 2003 · 2 yrs

    Served in the Employment Litigation Division. Represented the City of Chicago in cases involving Title VII sexual harassment, race and gender discrimination, Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, retaliation and claims brought pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983. Participated in all phases of the litigation process including serving as lead trial counsel.