HeplerBroom Springfield Attorneys Begin Jury Trial In Peoria Federal Court

Stephen R. Kaufmann, Thomas H. Wilson, Michael P. Murphy and Tara E. Kuchar of HeplerBroom's Springfield office began a jury trial in Peoria federal court on January 11 before the Honorable Michael Mihm. The firm represents the current Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, as well as three other individuals who are either presently or formerly employed by IDOT. The 16 Plaintiffs in the case contend that they were terminated in 2004 because of political discrimination. The Defendants contend that without regard to the Plaintiffs' alleged political affiliations, they simply reduced headcount as directed by the Office of Management and Budget and did so pursuant to a lawful Material Reorganization. The trial is expected to last over a month.