“ONE OF 50 PEOPLE WHO MAKE CHICAGO A BETTER PLACE”

The Chicago Sun-Times

Areas of Law Practice

The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, founded in 2005 by attorney Tamara Holder, is a nationally recognized, women’s rights boutique practice based in Chicago.

In 2019, Tamara and her team built the largest doctor-patient sexual abuse case in Illinois’ history, against Endeavor Health/ NorthShore University HealthSystem OB/GYN Fabio Ortega, having filed and settled dozens of cases. Tamara built a 50+ person case against Twin Peaks Restaurants, on behalf of workers who allege they were forced to endure sexual harassment in their workplace. She has filed lawsuits against Kering, Gucci, Zep Inc., iHeart Radio, Northwestern University....

Tamara is known for her fearless advocacy of women in the workplace, on college campuses, in healthcare institutions, and beyond.

If you are interested in our help, please contact us: intake@tamaraholder.com or 312-440-9000

 

Patient Sexual Assault Lawyer
We are women representing women against sexual abuse.
 
We built the largest doctor-patient sexual abuse case in Illinois' history.
 
Fabio Ortega since 2019. We have settled DOZENS of cases on behalf of women sexually abused by convicted sex offender, OBGYN Fabio Ortega. Many women have filed and settled lawsuits against gynecologist Fabio Ortega and Swedish Covenant Health in Cook County Circuit Court.
In October 2021, Ortega pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two female NorthShore patients and was sentenced to three years in prison. He served one year and was released on October 28, 2022. Despite Ortega pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two patients, Chicago-based hospital groups, NorthShore and Swedish, continue to defend their institutions and Ortega from liability, claiming that their trusting female patients are either confused or lying; or, if the sexual assaults did happen, the hospitals are not responsible for Ortega’s abuses. One woman alleges that Ortega sexually assaulted her at Swedish when she was just 14 years old. According to numerous lawsuits filed by attorney Tamara Holder, NorthShore knew about Ortega, yet it continued to allow him to work with unfettered access to female patients. The lawsuits also allege that even after NorthShore became aware of a criminal investigation into Ortega in early 2017, it continued to allow him to see women behind closed doors and sexually assault them. Further, the lawsuits allege that NorthShore failed to warn its patients that other women had accused Ortega of sexually perverted conduct, and failed to fully investigate its patients’ complaints

Call us 312-440-9000 and email intake@tamaraholder.com.

The doctor-patient relationship is supposed to be one of the most sacred, and trusted relationships. But, unfortunately, some doctors violate that trust. Doctor sexual abuse can have devastating consequences to victims.

As a patient rights lawyer, Tamara Holder is currently litigating the largest known case of doctor-patient sexual assault in the State of Illinois’s history. The defendants, Northshore University Health System and Swedish Hospital, are large health care providers accused of harboring gynecologist Fabio Ortega – a convicted sex offender – who used his position of trust to groom female patients to disguise his sexual assaults during gynecological exams.

Prominent cases across the country make it clear that doctor-patient sexual abuse may be more common than previously believed. Many victims are afraid to come forward or have suppressed their memory of abuse from years prior. An accusation of sexual assault against a medical professional is profoundly serious; if proven, the allegation can end a career. Victims are often afraid of being disbelieved or subjected to counteraccusations and lawsuits. In the event they decide to come forward, patients must feel that they are protected by a lawyer.

If you believe you are the victim of doctor sexual abuse, know that you can contact Attorney Tamara Holder to discuss your case in absolute confidence. Privacy and confidentiality are central values of the legal profession and of Tamara Holder’s law practice. As a sexual assault lawyer, Holder can explain what’s at stake when bringing a case against an abuser or a healthcare system believed to have facilitated, ignored, or covered up a doctor’s history of sexual abuse of patients. As a patient sexual assault lawyer, Holder can assess the case and determine a recommended course of action to end the alleged abuse and take steps to ensure it would never happen again.

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Wrongful Termination Lawyer

Your employer cannot punish you for complaining about discrimination in the workplace. If, after you have complained, your hours were cut, you were given extra work, or your pay was docked, you may have a case for retaliation. Tamara Holder can help you determine if you have experienced retaliation.

Sometimes, an employer doesn’t outright fire an employee. Instead, they make working conditions so intolerable that they force the employee to quit, or the employer does not fire the employee but takes them off the schedule. This is called “constructive discharge.”

Constructive discharge can occur when an employer tolerates a discriminatory environment. Employees subjected to unrelenting racial or sexual harassment, age discrimination, or failure to provide reasonable accommodations for a disability may feel they have no choice but to quit.

Other kinds of unfair dismissal include firings that violate public policies, like terminating employment because someone takes legally mandated medical leave under the Families and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), discharging someone because they reported wrongdoing (whistleblowing), or terminating employment because an employee refuses to commit an illegal act (like “cooking the books”).

A wrongful termination lawyer can help you determine if you can make a case that you were fired illegally. Talk with an unfair dismissal lawyer about what happened to you, and what remedy you are seeking. Do you really want your job back? Or do you want compensation for lost wages or for the damage the termination did to your career and your finances?

Tamara Holder is an experienced wrongful termination lawyer, serving as an employment dispute lawyer in cases involving sexual harassment, hostile work environments, racism, ageism, and contractual disputes. Contact the Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC, for legal advice regarding wrongful termination and possible legal remedies for your situation.

Wrongful termination means getting fired from a job for an illegal reason. The dismissal could violate the terms of a legally binding contract, or it may have been due to unlawful discrimination based on race or color, sex, religion, age, national origin, pregnancy, or disability. Some states have added additional protected categories, like sexual orientation.

Most states are so-called “at-will” employment states, where an employer can fire an employee or an employee can quit for any reason or no reason at all. But the law limits the reach of at-will employment to make firing someone due to discrimination based on a protected category illegal. Companies that fail to comply with their own employment policies when terminating employment may also have committed wrongful termination.

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Sexual Harassment Lawyer

Tamara Holder is a workplace sexual harassment lawyer who has represented employees against large companies including Twin Peaks Restaurants, Church’s Chicken, GFL Environmental, and Allied Universal Security, for permitting sexual harassment in the workplace, imposing sexualized dress codes, ranking employees for preferential treatment based on their perceived sexual attractiveness, and ignoring complaints of sexual harassment.

Unwelcome sexual comments and advances in the workplace are illegal, even if you are not physically touched. While physical assault or inappropriate touching are certainly forms of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct in the workplace can take the form of unwelcome comments that are sexual in nature, inappropriate or offensive displays of sexually explicit images or materials in the workplace, or unfair treatment based on the refusal to succumb to sexual advances.

In the most severe cases of sexual harassment, workers are subjected to unwanted sexual advances, physical assaults, or violations of privacy (such as hidden cameras in restrooms) that create hostile work environments based on gender.

In work environments where a person in power feels safe harassing employees, it is not unusual to discover that multiple employees have been subjected to inappropriately sexualized workplace behavior or harassment. Where unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or pornographic visual images are common, those who feel free in creating such a toxic working atmosphere may find themselves accused by several highly credible current or former employees who collectively have witnessed inappropriate and legally actionable behavior.

If you and your coworkers feel that your working conditions are intolerable due to sexual harassment, or if you have been the victim of a workplace sexual assault, contact an experienced sexual harassment victim’s lawyer like Tamara Holder.

As a sexual misconduct lawyer, Tamara Holder can help employees determine if they have a viable case against a current or former employer. Tamara can create a path toward legal action that could hold the accused employer accountable. If you and your coworkers have had enough of sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace, contact the Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC, for representation.

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Hostile Work Environment Lawyer

Tamara Holder has represented employees of major corporations including iHeart Radio,  Twin Peaks Restaurants, Republic Waste Services, Church’s Chicken, GFL Environmental, Allied Security, and Total Traffic and Weather. As a hostile work environment lawyer, Tamara Holder helps her clients obtain legal remedies when an employer tolerates, ignores, or fails to address—through policy enforcement and disciplinary action—conditions that create a hostile work environment for employees in protected classes for this type of workplace discrimination.

Severe or pervasive conduct in the workplace that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive is illegal. Interference with work performance, microaggressions, and gaslighting are all examples of hostile conduct. A hostile work environment requires proving that the employer is engaging in discriminatory conduct that is “severe” or “pervasive” due to the employee’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability are victims of illegal discrimination. A combination of federal laws prohibits discrimination based on these protected categories, and workers who are subjected to hostile conditions may have a cause of action under one or more of the following:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and/or the Americans with Disability Act Amendments Act of 2008 

Tamara Holder is a hostile work environment lawyer who won’t let your employer get away with dismissing hostile work environment complaints by gaslighting you or claiming that the perpetrators of discriminatory acts in the workplace were “just joking around” or acting “all in good fun.” The truth is, if an employee feels uncomfortable at work because of their status as a member of a protected class, and the words and actions that make them uncomfortable are pervasive and long lasting, then those employees are being subjected to an unlawful hostile work environment.

As an experienced hostile work environment attorney, Tamara Holder helps workers identify incidents and practices to document and determine if pursuing legal remedies is a reasonable course of action. Employers who tolerate discriminatory practices, language, and actions must be made to change. They should compensate employees who have suffered and take action to ensure that none of their employees are ever subjected to an abusive environment based on their membership in a protected class again.

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Title IX Lawyer

Tamara Holder represents female and LGBTQI+ students against rape, as well as discrimination due to pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity in education programs or activities under Title IX.

Title IX protects female students against rape, including fraternity rape, discrimination due to pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity in education programs or activities. The protection of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is best known as the law that enabled gender equality in school sports programs. But its protections go much further than sports. It protects people from sexual assault and rape, classifying those criminal offenses as forms of discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX declares the following:

“No person in the United States should, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

That’s a very broad prohibition that covers a wide variety of sex discrimination in schools, colleges, universities, and other federally funded programs. The “participation in” section has gotten the most attention because of its links to high-profile cases where women have sought equity in sports in schools and on college campuses.

But the “denied the benefits of” section can apply to campuses and activities that subject people to sexual harassment, stalking, campus rape and other forms of sexual violence, exposure to pornography, or other actions that make it impossible for victims to gain the benefit of the education or activity they are trying to pursue.

Title IX also protects students from crimes including sexual assault and rape. Tamara represents students who have been raped on college campuses, from the reporting through the investigation and the Title IX hearing. In recent years, colleges and universities have been known to bungle investigations, dismiss complaints, and issue meek punishments that let rapists remain on campus. Tamara Holder will ensure that institutions are held accountable and that they follow all necessary steps to ensure that sexual predators are removed from campus environments.

Sometimes victims of Title IX discrimination may not realize that the program they are trying to participate in receives federal funds. In other situations, they may not recognize the benefits they’re being denied by educational environments or programs that don’t afford them full participation or that make full participation impossible because of hostility, threats, assaults, or harassment. Contact the Law Office of Tamara Holder for help from a Title IX defense lawyer to understand if your situation falls under the protection of Title IX and, if so, what can be done about it.

As a Title IX lawyer, Tamara Holder represents female and LGBTQI+ students who allege they have been denied the benefit of federally funded educational programs or activities by obtaining injunctive relief, which is a court order compelling the school or program to comply with Title IX, and sometimes compensation.

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Sexual Assault Lawyer

Sexual assault is a grave violation of an individual's personal security and dignity. It encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual activities that can leave the victim feeling violated, helpless, and often, unsure of what steps to take next. This is where the services of an experienced sexual assault lawyer become crucial.

At The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder, we understand the emotional turmoil that comes with being a victim of sexual assault. Our team of dedicated lawyers, seasoned in handling these sensitive cases, bring not only their legal expertise but also their compassion and understanding to every case they handle.

With years of experience in representing victims of sexual assault, our lawyers have developed an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in such cases. From gathering evidence and navigating the often confusing legal proceedings, to advocating for your rights in court, our team ensures you are not alone in this journey.

As a victim, seeking the services of a sexual assault attorney from our firm means you are choosing representation that is informed, authoritative, and empathetic. We provide legal guidance that demystifies the complex legal terminologies and procedures, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case.

Potential outcomes of a sexual assault case vary greatly depending upon the specifics of the case and the jurisdiction. These could range from acquittal to various forms of sentencing, including fines, probation, or imprisonment. However, with a sexual assault lawyer from our firm by your side, you will be equipped with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the potential outcomes of your case.

At The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder, we recognize that each case is unique. Thus, we offer personalized legal services tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. We treat every client with the utmost respect and dignity, acknowledging the courage it takes to seek justice.

Engaging the services of an experienced sexual assault lawyer is vital in ensuring your rights are protected and your voice is heard. At The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder, we are committed to providing you with the legal representation and emotional support you need to navigate this challenging time. Trust us to walk with you every step of the way as we seek justice together.

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Discrimination

At The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder, our discrimination lawyers stand tall against all forms of discrimination. We believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation, race, age, or gender. We have dedicated our practice to fighting for those who have been victims of discrimination, ensuring that justice is served.

Our team of seasoned lawyers specializes in various areas of discrimination law, such as sexual orientation discrimination, pay discrimination, race discrimination, age discrimination, and gender discrimination. Each of these areas has its unique challenges, but our team is well-equipped with the knowledge and expertise to handle them effectively.

Sexual orientation discrimination is an affront to personal identity and freedom. It is illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation. If you have experienced such discrimination, our team will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected.

Gender discrimination remains prevalent despite advancements in societal attitudes and legislation. Our lawyers will fight for your rights whether you are a woman, transgender individual, or gender non-conforming person facing discrimination or being unfairly treated in an often male-dominated workforce.

Pay discrimination perpetuates inequality and it is illegal to pay someone less for performing the same work based on their gender, race, age, or any other protected characteristic. If you are a victim of pay discrimination, we will help you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Race discrimination can create a hostile work environment and hinder professional growth. Our firm represents you if you have been unfairly treated due to your race, advocating for your rights and seeking reparation.

Age discrimination is another area where our firm has considerable expertise. It is detrimental and unlawful to treat someone less favorably because of their age. Our attorneys are well versed in the laws that protect individuals from age discrimination and are committed to defending your rights if you have experienced such prejudice.

Our discrimination lawyers are characterized by empathy, compassion, and fairness. We understand the emotional turmoil associated with experiencing discrimination. We are here to support you, providing guidance and legal representation tailored to your situation.

We believe in empowering our clients. Our lawyers will guide you through the complexities of discrimination law, helping you understand your rights and the remedies available to you. We have a track record of successful outcomes and significant verdicts, reaffirming our expertise and experience in the field of discrimination law.

If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, contact The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder today. Let us fight for your rights and ensure that justice is served. Stand up against discriminating behaviors and harassment in the workplace. You are not alone, and with The Law Firm of Tamara N Holder by your side, you will never feel that you are.

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Sex Trafficking

From The Human Trafficking Hotline:

In 2021:
10,360 cases of human trafficking (both labor AND sex) were identified
16, 710 victims were involved in these cases (both labor AND sex)

Types of trafficking that were reported to the hotline (does not mean they were all ultimately identified as trafficking):

Sex - 7,499
Labor - 1,066
Sex and Labor - 400

Venues for Sex Trafficking:
Pornography - 807
Illicit Massage/Spa Business - 596
Hotel/Motel-Based - 579
Residence-Based Commercial Sex - 525
Online Ad Venue Unknown - 369
Street-Based - 178
Escort/Delivery Service - 134
Hostess/Strip Club-Based - 47
Truck Stop-Based - 43
Bar/Club - 33
Legalized Brothel - 3
Other - 4,185

Sex Trafficking Help
Sex Trafficking Lawyer

From decriminalizesexwork.com:

"Human trafficking is when an individual or group uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another into some kind of labor, including commercial sex acts.2 Human trafficking is an egregious abuse of human rights and a critical public health issue that causes long-term harm to individuals and communities.3

The majority of individuals involved in the sex trade are consenting adults. In 2020, prostitution related offenses outnumbered those related to trafficking in the sex trade 38 to 1."

  • Trafficking victims are often prosecuted for crimes that they were forced to commit. Convictions for these crimes prevent survivors from accessing critical social resources when attempting to recover from being exploited.
  • In a 2009 study, trafficking victims reported being arrested an average of seven times during their exploitation. Encounters with the police are often cited as one of the most traumatizing experiences survivors endure.
  • Seventy-five percent of victims of sexual labor trafficking are foreign nationals who risk deportation if they are charged with a crime they were forced to commit.

From the State Department's 2023 Trafficking in Human Persons Report:

"Traffickers often target those who experience compounding forms of discrimination (such as discrimination because of one’s racial or ethnic group, gender identity, disability, or sexual orientation), violence (such as intimate partner or domestic violence), or who interact with government-run programs (such as the criminal justice system, runaway and homeless youth services, foster or institutional care, and the immigration enforcement system). Traffickers compel victims to engage in commercial sex and to work in both legal and illicit industries and sectors, including in hospitality, traveling sales crews, agriculture, janitorial services, construction, landscaping, restaurants, factories and manufacturing, direct care services, salon services, massage parlors, retail, fairs and carnivals, peddling and begging, drug smuggling and distribution, religious institutions, and domestic work. Traffickers continued to use social media and other online platforms to recruit and advertise victims."

From the Bureau of Justice Statistics:

  • This is data on who was prosecuted for trafficking in the US, rather than who was trafficked. Also useful and interesting:
  • A total of 2,198 persons were referred to U.S. Attorneys for human trafficking offenses in fiscal year 2020, a 62% increase from the 1,360 persons referred in 2011.
  • The number of persons prosecuted for human trafficking increased from 729 in 2011 to 1,343 in 2020, an 84% increase.
  • The number of persons convicted of a federal human trafficking offense increased from 2011 (464 persons) to 2019 (837 persons), before falling in 2020 (658 persons).
  • Of the 1,169 defendants charged in U.S. district court with human trafficking offenses in fiscal year 2020—
    • 92% were male
    • 63% were white
    • 18% were black
    • 17% were Hispanic
    • 95% were U.S. citizens
    • 66% had no prior convictions.
  • At yearend 2020, for the 47 states that reported data, 1,564 persons were in the custody of a state prison serving a sentence for a human trafficking offense.
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Any information contained herein is not to be construed as legal advice.
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