Schuyler, Roche & Crisham, P.C. Large enough to to the job right, small enough to listen
 

David M. Novak
Partner

David Novak is highly respected among clients and peers alike as a consummate labor and employment law litigator. His practice covers all areas of labor and employment law, and he has also served clients in patent and health care law. He regularly handles trial and appellate matters.

Representing clients in federal and state court litigation, David has defended actions for sexual harassment; race, sex and national origin discrimination; retaliatory discharge; breach of contract; fraud; defamation; various state and federal statutes; and other torts. He concentrates much of his practice in wage and hour law, reductions-in-force and deunionization and has represented numerous employers in high-profile labor arbitrations.

David joined Schuyler, Roche & Crisham in 2012 with several highly respected labor and employment attorneys. Together, they play an integral role in the firm's growing comprehensive labor and employment practice.

Representative Experience

  • Amerigas Propane v. Teamsters Local 705 (Cir. Ct. Ill.). Successfully handled all legal aspects of strike against a national propane supplier, including injunction against illegal strike activity, coordination of criminal proceedings against strikers, institution of civil tort proceedings against strikers, and prosecution of contempt action against union and its members. As a result of these actions, the union made an unconditional offer to return to work.
  • Office of the Cook County State's Attorney v. Illinois Local Labor Relations Board (Cir. and Sup. Cts. Ill.). Obtained injunction against the Board from holding representation election among assistant state's attorneys leading to Supreme Court decision that assistants are forbidden to organize.
  • Bester et al. v. Chicago Transit Authority (N.D. Ill.). Defending 1,050-member opt-in class action alleging overtime and minimum wage violations. Obtained summary judgment on issues of statute of limitations, liquidated damages and overtime liability.
  • Cooper et al. v. Chicago Transit Authority (N.D. Ill.). Obtained summary judgment and fee recommendation from magistrate inn race discrimination case.
  • Colfax Corp. v. Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (N.D. Ill. And 7th Cir.). Appointed Special Assistant Illinois Attorney General and coordinated successful defense leading to dismissal of eight-count complaint. Affirmed on appeal.
  • Ogletree et al. v. Anosike et al. (Ct. App. Ill.). Successfully defended trustees of public sector pension fund in trial court and on appeal against claims of fiduciary breaches and prohibited transactions in connection of reimbursement of retiree health care costs to employer.
  • *County of Cook (arbitration). Won numerous unfair labor practice claims concerning employer's response to intermittent strike activity (claims submitted to arbitration by agreement of the parties).
  • Adventist Midwest Health (N.L.R.B.). Successfully avoided unionization of religious-based hospital.
  • Klemp Corporation (collective bargaining). Successfully handled strike and obtained favorable collective bargaining agreement for the employer.

*Denotes case tried to conclusion.