Stephen D. Pauwels

Stephen’s clients benefit from his ability to think on his feet in high-stress situations and find creative solutions to seemingly intractable problems. Stephen calls on his real-world experience to better understand the challenges businesses and front-line management face every day and uses his experience to tailor his advice to his client's needs.

Stephen brings nearly a decade of litigation experience to the firm, having represented employers of all sizes—from some of the world’s largest companies to family businesses in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies on matters including non-compete agreements, employment discrimination, trade secrets, and wage and hour claims, among a myriad of others. His experience in retail management helps him connect with and better understand his clients and their day-to-day operations so that he can help them navigate the ins and outs of litigation. 

Stephen also helps his clients navigate everyday employment issues, such as FMLA leave, employee discipline and termination, internal investigations, and maintaining employee handbooks and agreements. Stephen understands that today’s employers need a trusted advisor to keep them on top of ever-shifting legal and regulatory requirements. He is admitted to practice in Illinois as well as the Northern District of Illinois and the Northern District of Texas federal courts.

Outside of the office, Stephen is an avid golfer and was a Charles "Chick" Evans Scholar at Miami University. He loves to experiment with new recipes for his friends and family and on the weekends can be found watching baseball from the bleachers on Chicago's North Side.