Kerryann Haase Minton

Managing Partner Michael Best (IL) | Strategic Board Member | Trusted Advisor | Corporate Strategy | M&A | Employment Discrimination & Litigation | Wage & Hour Class Action | Non-Compete

Greater Chicago Area

About

Trusted advisor to businesses seeking a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to legal matters. Experienced and effective employment litigation strategist, successfully defending businesses in employment-related disputes at every level. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 312.836.5075 (w) or 312.909.0248 (m)

Experience

  • Michael Best & Friedrich LLP (29 yrs 10 mos)
    • Management Committee
      Oct 2012 - Present · 13 yrs 9 mos

      Member of the seven member board of the Firm providing strategic vision to the Firm. One year off in 2022 based on term limit.

    • Managing Partner, Chicago
      Jun 2010 - Present · 16 yrs 1 mo

    • Equity Partner
      Jun 2005 - Present · 21 yrs 1 mo

      Winning on both sides of non-competes • Successfully defended a large technology client in a non-compete case where the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction were denied. They also were called in by a board of directors to take action against a top-level executive who went to work for a competitor. In this case, my team was able to secure a temporary restraining order and negotiate an 18-month non-compete agreement that addressed the board’s business concerns. Defending against EEOC class action • Successfully defended an international automotive supplier, who faced an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission class action seeking $8 million on behalf of employees claiming the company had discriminated against people with disabilities. The case was based on the Americans with Disabilities Act requirement to provide accommodation of additional time off for disabled people who already had exhausted their Family Medical Leave Act benefits and been terminated. I successfully defended against two class allegations, avoiding costly class action litigation. Defending against multiple counts of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation • A prominent food manufacturer found itself defending claims of sexual harassment, assault, battery, sexual assault, and retaliation. I successfully obtained summary judgment, eliminating all claims against the client, after taking critical oral discovery depositions of the plaintiff and other witnesses. Training on sensitive issues • As employment counsel, I have a deep understanding of clients’ organizational needs. I, along with my team, was asked to create a training program for executives serving on their first board of directors, covering topics such as the critical role of boards, board operations, and fiduciary duties. Similarly, a large family-run business asked the team to work with family members at all levels of the company to clarify the importance of consistency in company policies and procedures.

  • Director, Board of Directors at The Horton Group
    Jul 2022 - Present · 4 yrs

    The Horton Group is a large insurance broker that delivers complex solutions to thousands of customers. The company has seven offices in four states.