The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) has made an important change to how it investigates charges of discrimination. As of August 15, 2025, the agency is no longer required to hold a “fact-finding conference” in every case.

For years, these conferences were a key part of the IDHR process—a meeting where both sides (the employee and the employer) were brought together with an investigator to discuss the allegations, share documents, and sometimes explore early resolution. Going forward, these conferences will happen only if one of the parties requests it or if the IDHR decides one is necessary.

This change may sound procedural, but…

Continue Reading IDHR Ends Mandatory Fact-Finding Conferences: What It Means for Illinois Employees