What is the outcome of a charge investigation?
If IDHR dismisses the case, the complainant may file a request for review within 90 days to appeal the dismissal with the Illinois Human Rights Commission, a separate state agency. If IDHR issues a finding of “substantial evidence” of discrimination, a staff attorney will try to conciliate the matter between the parties (attempt settlement). If conciliation fails, IDHR files a complaint with the Illinois Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Parties may elect instead to have their claims decided in a circuit court of Illinois, and have 20 days to make this decision. If such election is made, the IHRC administratively closes the file. Otherwise, the IHRC will schedule the case for a public hearing before an administrative law judge. IDHR will be a party to the case, and seek appropriate relief for the Complainant and vindication of the public interest. All parties are advised to obtain legal counsel at this stage as IDHR is not the Complainant’s attorney. The judge can order appropriate remed
