Ethan G. Zelizer

Ethan was a consummate professional who steered me through a difficult situation and allowed me to separate from my employer with dignity and grace. I am a senior executive female employee who is in her 50s. The Company decided to let me go in February and offered me a severance agreement. It was ...probably a good idea for us to part ways but the severance wasn't enough. I met with Ethan for a consultation at his office. We went much longer than an hour but he kept the fee the same. He then sent me a retainer agreement and although Ethan cost more than some other employment attorneys that I spoke with, he clearly was the best. I hired him immediately -- although he wanted me to take a day to think about it. We attempted to negotiate but the Company was not interested. We had a good case for age and gender discrimination because my boss would call me "old mother hen" and constantly asked what it felt like to be "over the hill." Worse still, he hired a a 30-something year old guy to train with me last year and now he is assuming my role. Ethan and I discussed what it meant to "turn down" the severance and press on with litigation. We discussed the risks and I decided that it was worth it. Ethan prepared an EEOC Charge and we immediately asked for a "Right to Sue Letter" to go to federal court. My employer requested that we try and mediate. We did and a successful resolution was reached within 6 weeks of hiring Ethan. Ethan learned my case but more importantly, really cared about what happened to me and what would happen in the future. After we concluded the mediation, the mediator, a retired federal judge, told me that Ethan was "the best of the best" and he was right. Thank you Ethan.

I spoke to Ethan to discuss a problematic employment situation and to see what options I had in terms of legal action. He listened to my story, asked specific questions to get the full picture and discussed my options, while explicitly weighing the pros and cons of each option. After the consultation..., I felt empowered to make an informed decision about my future. Suing my previous employer wasn't the right move for me. Instead, Ethan approached the employer, negotiated a reasonable severance, and I moved on to bigger and better things. Ethan never pushed me in one direction or another. He wanted me to understand my options and make an informed decision. He provided great counsel.

I am a CEO at a mid-size Illinois company. I left in November and hired Ethan to negotiate my severance and no compete obligations. He spotted issues that I did not. He saw opportunities that I did not. He's a real person. Honest, energetic, caring and pragmatic. I plan on bringing ethan in to rewrit...e agreements at my new start-up. He's a gem of an attorney. Once you find him, you'll want him. He's in high demand but worth whatever it takes to bring him on for your cause. Thanks ethan.

As a Senior Executive and a long time employee of a Fortune 500 company, I never thought I would need an employement attorney. With corporate structuring changes, I found myself in the situation where I needed help negotiating a severance option. I considered multiple attorneys but when I contacted... Ethan Zelizer I knew he was the advocate I was looking for. He was responsive and knowledgable, immediately taking action to help me. Ethan is a great listener. I was impressed with his ability to understand and remember the facts of my more complicated scenerio. He kept me enngaged throughout the negotiations, clearly updating me on next steps and the pros and cons of my options. Agressive and tenacious in his negotiations, he was able to get me a reasonable resolution with my firm. I'd highly recommend him to others.

I consulted with Ethan seeking advice to handle pregnancy discrimination in my place of work. I was feeling defeated and I wanted to make sure I was represented by someone that I trusted. I immediately felt comfortable with him. He's to the point. He gave me the time I needed to explain the entire s...ituation without feeling rushed. Action took place before I left our meeting; he took the legal steps to make sure I was protected. After a week of him working with their lawyer, we settled. It was more than I was asking for. I can't say enough about how attentive, professional and kind he has been throughout this entire settlement. I have had to reach out to him a few times to ask questions and resolve a few minor hiccups the came about (all because of the company I was employed at). Ethan was prompt and was able to get me what I needed. I would recommend him to friends and family. It's not everyday you come across an attorney where you fully believe in his ability to get the job done. He has exceeded my expectations. Thank you Ethan!