Biography
Ms. Koehler has over 28 years of experience concentrating in representing employers in labor and employment law matters ranging from preventative training and counseling to litigation. She defends employers in all types of litigation including federal and state courts and administrative agencies. Ms. Koehler regularly provides preventative training to her clients’ employees and supervisors on discrimination and harassment topics to minimize the risk of potential claims, and in compliance with state and federal laws.
Representative Matters
Prevailed in numerous non-compete cases in various industries securing injunctions for employers in Federal Court.
Won motion to transfer venue and subsequently prevailed on motion to dismiss class action claim relating to meal periods/breaks in Federal District Court in Ohio.
Secured the dismissal of FLSA class allegations against a client with tipped employees in Federal District Court in Indiana prior to class certification.
Won numerous motions for Summary Judgment on behalf of employers in State and Federal Courts on Title VII discrimination claims.
Litigated one of the few Federal Appellate Court decisions awarding employer client attorneys’ fees and costs for defending against a Union Trust Funds’ collections action pursuant to ERISA.
Secured favorable Summary Judgment ruling for an employer in the Circuit Court of Cook County involving a former employee’s claims for commissions which included counter claims.
Secured a defense verdict in Circuit Court of Cook County trial involving former employee’s bonus claim.
Obtained an order compelling arbitration in U.S. District Court enforcing employer’s arbitration agreement with an employee resulting in the dismissal of class allegations pertaining to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Recently secured a verdict in favor of employer in U.S. District Court trial defending allegations of discrimination of three plaintiffs.
Education & Admissions
Education
- The John Marshall Law School, Northern Illinois UniversityHuman Resources Management
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Dist. Court, CD Illinois
- U.S. Dist. Court, ND Illinois
- U.S. Dist. Court, SD Indiana
- U.S. Dist. Court, ED Wisconsin
- U.S. Dist. Court, WD Wisconsin
Honors & Awards
Super Lawyer Labor & Employment Law 2005
Associate Candidacy Editor, John Marshall Law Review
Published in The John Marshall Law Review 1990
Also Affiliated with Koehler Dinkel LLC
Professional Activities
Professional Activities
- Chicago Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Public High School Board Member
- Frequent guest speaker – NIU College of Business