2025-0158 · Court ref 1:25-cv-03318
Okonjo v. Brightline Retail Group — Title VII and IHRA claims
OpenEmployment·Ms. Adaeze Okonjo·Opened Jul 20, 2026
Background
Claims for discriminatory discharge and retaliation under Title VII and the Illinois Human Rights Act. Client was terminated eleven days after making a written complaint to human resources.
File note
EEOC right-to-sue letter received. Complaint filed in N.D. Ill. within the 90-day window. Answer filed denying liability. Rule 26(f) conference held.
Key dates
3 recorded| Date | Event | Type | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2026 | Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Filing deadline | in 5 days |
| Oct 12, 2026 | Deposition of HR director | Hearing | in 3 weeks |
| Dec 03, 2026 | Close of fact discovery | Filing deadline | in 2 months |
Tasks
1 open · 1 completed| Task | Assigned | Due | Priority | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
File complaint within 90 days of right-to-sue letter | DR | Aug 03, 2026 | High | Done | |
Serve Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | DR | in 4 days | High | In progress |
Time recorded
7.1 hrs total · 7.1 hrs billable · $2,344.00| Date | Timekeeper | Narrative | Activity | Units | Value | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2026 | DR | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
| Sep 15, 2026 | TB | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Drafting | 4 · 0.4 hrs | $66.00 | WIP |
| Sep 01, 2026 | DR | Reviewing answer and affirmative defenses | Telephone | 4 · 0.4 hrs | $136.00 | WIP |
| Aug 25, 2026 | DR | Drafting complaint and jury demand | Correspondence out | 2 · 0.2 hrs | $68.00 | WIP |
| Aug 25, 2026 | DR | Preparing Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
| Aug 24, 2026 | DR | Reviewing answer and affirmative defenses | Drafting | 10 · 1.0 hr | $340.00 | WIP |
| Aug 10, 2026 | DR | Preparing Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Research | 1 · 0.1 hrs | $34.00 | WIP |
| Aug 04, 2026 | DR | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Research | 2 · 0.2 hrs | $68.00 | WIP |
| Aug 03, 2026 | DR | Conference with client regarding preservation obligations | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
| Jul 23, 2026 | DR | Preparing Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Telephone | 3 · 0.3 hrs | $102.00 | WIP |
Advanced costs
Money paid out on the client behalf, billed at cost| Date | Description | Paid out | Amount | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2026 | Service of summons | Paid | $120.00 | Unbilled |
| Jul 27, 2026 | Federal court filing fee — N.D. Ill. | Paid | $405.00 | Unbilled |
Documents
7 on file| Document | Type | Ver. | Filed by | Filed | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Termination letter 02.04.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Sep 13, 2026 | 2.9 MB | Download |
| Engagement letter and contingency fee agreement.pdf | Engagement letter | v1 | DR | Aug 31, 2026 | 3.2 MB | Download |
| Employment agreement and handbook excerpts.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Aug 24, 2026 | 4.3 MB | Download |
| Declaration of A. Okonjo (draft 2).docx | Pleading | v4 | DR | Aug 17, 2026 | 4.3 MB | Download |
| Complaint — N.D. Ill.pdf | Pleading | v1 | DR | Aug 16, 2026 | 2.7 MB | Download |
| Defendant answer.pdf | Pleading | v1 | DR | Aug 10, 2026 | 3.8 MB | Download |
| EEOC right-to-sue letter.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Jul 26, 2026 | 489 KB | Download |
Bills
| Bill | Issued | Due | Fees | Disb. | Total | Outstanding | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INV-2025-0524 | Sep 10, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $6,800.00 | $525.00 | $7,325.00 | $7,325.00 | Sent |