2025-0158 · Court ref 1:25-cv-03318
Okonjo v. Brightline Retail Group — Title VII and IHRA claims
OpenEmployment·Ms. Adaeze Okonjo·Opened Sep 03, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 09, 2026 | Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Filing deadline | in 5 days |
| Nov 26, 2026 | Deposition of HR director | Hearing | in 3 weeks |
| Jan 17, 2027 | 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 | Sep 17, 2026 | High | Done | |
Serve Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | DR | in 4 days | High | In progress |
Time recorded
6.8 hrs total · 6.8 hrs billable · $2,242.00| Date | Timekeeper | Narrative | Activity | Units | Value | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | TB | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Drafting | 4 · 0.4 hrs | $66.00 | WIP |
| Oct 30, 2026 | DR | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
| Oct 16, 2026 | DR | Reviewing answer and affirmative defenses | Telephone | 4 · 0.4 hrs | $136.00 | WIP |
| Oct 09, 2026 | DR | Preparing Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
| Oct 09, 2026 | DR | Drafting complaint and jury demand | Correspondence out | 2 · 0.2 hrs | $68.00 | WIP |
| Oct 08, 2026 | DR | Reviewing answer and affirmative defenses | Drafting | 10 · 1.0 hr | $340.00 | WIP |
| Sep 24, 2026 | DR | Preparing Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures | Research | 1 · 0.1 hrs | $34.00 | WIP |
| Sep 18, 2026 | DR | Analyzing defendant proposed ESI protocol | Research | 2 · 0.2 hrs | $68.00 | WIP |
| Sep 17, 2026 | DR | Conference with client regarding preservation obligations | Drafting | 15 · 1.5 hrs | $510.00 | WIP |
Advanced costs
Money paid out on the client behalf, billed at cost| Date | Description | Paid out | Amount | Billed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2026 | Service of summons | Paid | $120.00 | Unbilled |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Federal court filing fee — N.D. Ill. | Paid | $405.00 | Unbilled |
Documents
7 on file| Document | Type | Ver. | Filed by | Filed | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Declaration of A. Okonjo (draft 2).docx | Pleading | v2 | DR | Nov 03, 2026 | 4.2 MB | Download |
| Employment agreement and handbook excerpts.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Oct 31, 2026 | 4.6 MB | Download |
| Engagement letter and contingency fee agreement.pdf | Engagement letter | v1 | DR | Oct 11, 2026 | 2.5 MB | Download |
| Complaint — N.D. Ill.pdf | Pleading | v1 | DR | Oct 06, 2026 | 2.3 MB | Download |
| EEOC right-to-sue letter.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Sep 23, 2026 | 3.2 MB | Download |
| Defendant answer.pdf | Pleading | v1 | DR | Sep 22, 2026 | 3.7 MB | Download |
| Termination letter 02.04.pdf | Evidence | v1 | DR | Sep 17, 2026 | 1.1 MB | Download |
Bills
| Bill | Issued | Due | Fees | Disb. | Total | Outstanding | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INV-2025-0524 | Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | $6,800.00 | $525.00 | $7,325.00 | $7,325.00 | Sent |