Unpaid Overtime Lawyers in Chicago
Overtime violations are often hidden in plain sight: a “salary” label that doesn’t fit the job, time records that don’t match
the work performed, or policies that push employees to work before clocking in or after clocking out.
If you regularly work more than 40 hours in a workweek and your paychecks do not reflect overtime pay, you may have a claim.
Randolph & Holloway represents employees across the Chicago area in unpaid overtime cases under the
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Illinois law.
When Overtime Pay Problems Happen
Many overtime cases involve a single pay practice that affects multiple workers. Common scenarios include:
Working off the clock
Required tasks before/after shifts, “quick” work from home, or time spent logging in, closing out, or completing mandatory paperwork that is not counted as paid time.
Misclassification as “exempt” or 1099
Being treated as salaried-exempt or an independent contractor even though the job is controlled, supervised, and functionally hourly.
Automatic meal deductions
Pay practices that deduct meal breaks even when employees regularly work through lunch or are not fully relieved of duties.
Overtime rate calculated incorrectly
Overtime pay that does not reflect the correct “regular rate,” especially where bonuses, differentials, or commissions should be included.
What We Review in an Overtime Case
Overtime cases typically turn on how hours were tracked, how pay was calculated, and what the job required in practice.
Helpful documents include:
- Pay stubs and payroll records
- Timeclock records, schedules, dispatch logs, or route sheets
- Employee handbook, timekeeping policies, overtime approval rules
- Texts/emails about working before/after shifts or clocking out
- Job description and a practical summary of daily duties
If you do not have all of these items, that is common. Contact us anyway and we can advise what matters most to evaluate your situation.
Request a free case evaluation.
Punished for Raising Pay Concerns?
Some employers respond to overtime complaints with discipline, reduced hours, schedule changes, or termination.
If you experienced retaliation after questioning your pay, you may have additional legal claims.
Government Agencies (Information Only)
Some workers choose to contact government agencies about wage issues. This section is for reference only.
If you want individualized legal advice or litigation representation, contact our office.
- U.S. Department of Labor (Wage and Hour Division): WHD information
- Illinois Department of Labor: IDOL website
- FLSA overview: Fair Labor Standards Act