Do I need a wage/labor attorney?

If your total pay in a given week (which I understand was only commission-based) was less than the minimum wage times the number of hours worked in...

I was given an proposal for severance, what does that mean? Do I counter before the actual agreement?

Negotiating on your own is unlikely to yield decent results; an attorney could help you identify genuine points of legal leverage, if there are...

I have dealt with Federal and Illinois wage claims and can tell you this kind of matter is far too nuanced to address via Avvo. There are dozens...

I need help in getting a copy of my employment contract from my previous employer to file suit for back wages due of $20000 plus

You should consult with an employee rights attorney ASAP. You are likely putting matters in a different priority than an experienced attorney...

Are there ANY local employment lawyers who don't charge up front?

Was it an employment lawyer who "told" you that you had a strong case? If not, I wouldn't give too much weight to what they said. If so, then...

I am currently in negotiation with an employer for a severance package due to basically a forced resignation due toPTSD options?

The range of settlement you mention does not strike me as unusual for negotiations of this kind. I've seen lower and higher. The range of offers...

My severance pay has been denied because I accepted a new job which starts after the 30 day notice that I was originally given.

When I examine these issues with WI clients, more often than not there are potential rights. But too much depends on the specifics documents and...

Daily wage vs Hourly

It's not clear (at least to me) from your question whether this is a potential employer or your current employer. If this is a current employer,...

Is there such a thing as wage/overtime discrimination and what are the usual legal damages to a company who violates it?

I deal with wage and overtime law (including federal FLSA law which likely applies to your matter), but to be honest your scenario as described is...

If I am offered a severance package but feel I am entitled to more, can I lose the original offer if I ask /try to get more?

Consider talking with an attorney before trying to negotiate yourself or based on your own research or assumptions. I've dealt with thousands of...