Catherine Mitchell Duffy

Partner

Katie Mitchell litigates on behalf of clients in both class action and individual litigation.

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Negotiated $3,250,000

settlement on behalf of Treasury Services Advisors who were misclassified by Bank of America and denied overtime pay.

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Achieved a $6,000,000

settlement on behalf of call center employees who were required to perform pre-shift work off-the-clock.

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Recovered thousands

for Indian-national employees who were denied COBRA benefits.

A staunch advocate for individual rights, Katie represents people in a wide-range of legal disputes, including unpaid wages, employee misclassification, improper wage deductions, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) violations, Illinois Biometric Privacy Act (BIPA) violations, mass torts, antitrust and consumer fraud. Recently, Katie was integral in achieving a critical decision in favor of Dish Network call-center employees, involving over seven figures in damages, and in negotiating a six-figure settlement on behalf of Indian-national employees for violations of ERISA and The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Katie is currently a member of the legal team pursuing claims on behalf of employees for violations of BIPA.  Her broad knowledge in such areas helps clients understand their rights and recover damages when laws are violated.

Katie has been a member of the Stephan Zouras team since 2013, when she joined as a law clerk while attending law school. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, where she also was a four-year starter and captain for the Belles’ Softball Team. Katie earned her law degree from The John Marshall Law School, where she was a member of the Dean’s List, served as a Member Counselor in the Business Enterprise Law Clinic and served as a research and teaching assistant for colleagues studying the Federal and Illinois Rules of Evidence.

Currently, Katie serves as the chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s YLS Moot Court Committee.  She is also a Director on The John Marshall Law School Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, as well as an active member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois.

Awards

Katie has been recognized by Chicago Magazine’s Super Lawyer section as a Rising Star for four consecutive years, a distinction given to no more than 2.5% of Illinois lawyers.

Professional and Community Activities

  • Women’s Bar Association of Illinois; 2015-Present
  • Chicago Bar Association; 2013-Present
  • Young Lawyers Society of the Chicago Bar Association; 2014-Present
  • Vice Chair, YLS Moot Court Competition Committee; 2016-Present
  • Saint Mary’s College Chicago East Alumnae Club Member; 2012-Present
  • Chapter Editor, Bureau of National Affairs Age Discrimination in Employment Act Treatise, 2d Ed.; 2016

Education

The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 2015

Saint Mary’s College, B.A., Political Science & Psychology, 2012

Admitted to Practice:
Illinois, 2015
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2015 (admitted to Trial Bar)

Admitted pro hac vice in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the Superior Court for the State of California, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the District of New Jersey, The District of Colorado, Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Southern and Northern Districts of Iowa, the District of Florida-Tampa Division, the Southern District of Iowa and the Eastern District of North Carolina.

testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

The law firm, Stephan Zouras, handled a matter for me that was very problematic - I cannot be too specific because of the nondisclosure agreement, but suffice it to say that they came through for me FAR beyond my expectations - TWICE, in TWO separate cases. I will DEFINITELY use them in the future if I ever have any similar cases against unfair employers. Anyone that thinks attorneys are not accessible needs to hire this firm. Every staff member (Kerry, Ryan, many others) was polite, and professional, understanding, kind, and sympathetic. Thanks again, to all of you on my settlement!

- Don D.

Jim Zouras is a dedicated and caring professional who fights for the rights of ordinary people. Throughout what could have been a difficult process, I always felt Jim “had my back” and was looking out for my best interests.

- Stephanie L.

I worked with Andy Ficzko, an associate of Stephan Zouras. I cannot thank the team, especially Andy, enough for helping me to settle a dispute that I had for a few years. I didn't know where to go and am so thankful that I was directed to use this group. Andy worked hard and was persistent in getting a settlement for me. He always kept me in the loop, did what was in my best interest and never gave up. After years in this dispute, it only took a few short months for Andy to help me walk away with a win. He worked hard to help me and I am so appreciative to him! This is the best group around! Thank you and here's to continued success!!

- Jennifer S.

I was a part of a class action suit which Teresa Becvar handled. Numerous times I had questions and Teresa always returned my phone calls or emails quickly. She was courteous and knowledgeable and encouraging. I am feeling so blessed with the outcome of our lawsuit and I appreciate everything STEPHAN ZOURAS LLP, ATTORNEYS AT LAW DID FOR ME.

- Erika

I would highly recommend that you use this firm. Anna at Stephan Zouras, LLC is an incredibly compassionate person, one who's committed to resolving your case. I couldn't be happier with the results pertaining to my case. And most importantly, they are extremely knowledgeable and informative to clients. Thank you Anna and all the staff at Stephan Zouras. My extended family SALUTE!

- Mr. JB

I couldn't have been happier with Ryan Stephan. I handle securities administrative work and it's difficult to find someone to help when I need advice and legal assistance. Ryan is not only knowledgeable but communicative and responsive. I'm grateful to have him in my corner and highly recommend him and his firm.

- Mary

Stephan Zouras law firm is one of the best. My personal experience with Teresa and the firm was phenomenal. Teresa always kept me informed and genuinely showed she cared. I would recommend this firm and Teresa to anyone looking for honest people that will fight for you and go the extra mile.

- LaChelle

I worked with Jim Zouras and it was a pleasure. He told us what to expect and what NOT to expect, and that is exactly how things happened. He talked to me like I had a brain but was not a lawyer and I appreciated that. Hope I never need him again but would hire him again in a second.

- April W.

Ryan represented me and my co-workers as part of a large class-action lawsuit against our former employer for multiple violations of labor law. I did not choose him myself, but am so glad somebody found him because he is one of the best attorneys I've ever met. He is dedicated and driven by a sense of moral justice which is increasingly uncommon in any industry today. When working with me, he was incredibly professional combining a sense of empowerment and ferocity in his approach. He is sensitive to his clients' needs and is able to craft a deadly offense while maintaining only the position that his client(s) desire. He ensures that his clients get a stellar advocate in court who will serve as their voice. He won our case resulting in recompense for hard-working people who were unfairly denied pay for work they performed for their company across the course of several years. If you are looking for an OUTSTANDING attorney, Ryan Stephan is your guy.

- Erica

I was always kept in the loop with my suit, and their persistence has paid off in the long run. I would recommend this firm to anyone looking to do a class action lawsuit. Ryan and the staff at Stephan Zouras are the best!

- Liz F.

If you need a hard-working, detailed, compassionate and cooperative class action attorney, this is your guy [Andy Ficzko]! He keeps in constant contact so you are always in the loop. No question goes unanswered and he makes you feel valued. Unlike some lawyers, he is not pretentious, but very professional and thorough. He handled my case seamlessly and it only required one visit to his office. From beginning to end, my case was completed in about 11 months. I am very happy with the outcome of my case!

- Cheryl

Ryan worked me while I was part of class action against a former employer who was in violation of various labor laws. He was very pleasant to work with. My overall experience with the firm was very positive and I highly recommend him and his team.

- Hassan

Jim Zouras and the legal team at Stephan Zouras did a thorough and outstanding job recovering overtime wages against a former employer. The case was handled as a class action, and Jim and his staff were complete professionals in promptly responding to calls, emails, answering questions, and keeping all of us informed throughout the process. They are dedicated to their work and exceeded our expectations. I would gladly recommend their services to anyone having issues with their employer.

- Kristin

A great firm to deal with - very personable. Kept up to date on the case and always gave me options. Ryan, his staff and the receptionist were all very nice and helpful at all times. Very satisfied with the results of the case. If you ever need an attorney he will be there for you and walk you through it.

- Brent

I worked with Jim Zouras as well as Teresa Becvar in a class action and won with a settlement that benefited a large group of fellow former employees. Communication was always very good and they were always helpful in answering any questions as well as preparing me for what was coming and what to expect.

- Ryan

This review is long overdue but my sentiments are still as overwhelmingly positive and strong for the firm-especially Ryan, Haley and Emily many months later. From day one Ryan made me feel like my case was his most important case, that I was not who was wrong, and that more than anything they were on my side. Their firm and the way they listen and make you feel is why I imagine one would go into practicing law. During my deposition the court reporter even commented how nice Ryan was- there is no need to be a jerk to get what you want. I'm not saying I would do this again but if Ryan and Haley were on my team I would not hesitate. In the end it was not like TV but Ryan is a true Hollywood hero in my world! And Haley a virtual rising star. I am forever grateful for them and helping me close an ugly chapter in my life.

- Roxann P.

Let me say I've sought out the assistance of this firm on three different occasions and I was never let down. This last time around it was a bit more involved with frequent visits and conference calls. When I tell you that they are great people to work with you can bet on it. Andy, Ryan and Anna were always on top of the matter along with updates all the time. They are awesome at what they do and I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND this firm to address your needs. Thanks again team for believing in me and seeing me through it all.

- Jeff

Teresa is a patient and very efficient lawyer. She has excellent communication, is detail oriented, calm and supportive. She helped me with a legal matter and was outstanding. I would recommend her to anyone in her area of specialty.

- Unpaid Wages Client
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