Davina Rae DiPaolo

Founder & Attorney

Davina Rae DiPaolo is the founder of DiPaolo Law, where she represents employees in workplace disputes involving discrimination, retaliation, disability rights, leave, wrongful termination, wage issues, and other employment-related claims.

Davina was selected to the Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2025, 2026, and 2027. She is also a contributing author of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (“IICLE”) Employment Discrimination handbook and was featured on an episode of IICLE’s podcast, “Cornered: Out of Court.”

Throughout her career, Davina’s clients and prospective clients have consistently expressed appreciation for the way she combines genuine warmth and empathy with fierce advocacy. She takes the time to listen, explain legal issues in an accessible and straightforward way, and make sure clients understand what is happening and why. Many clients have told her that this level of care and personal attention stood out from their experiences speaking with other attorneys.

Davina understands that work makes up a significant part of people’s lives, and that a difficult or unhealthy work situation can affect far more than someone’s job. It can take a real toll on a person’s mental and physical well-being, finances, confidence, and day-to-day life. She also recognizes that having to seek out a lawyer and navigate a legal dispute can add another layer of stress at an already difficult time. Her goal is to make the legal process as clear, manageable, and low-stress as possible, so clients can focus on moving forward while knowing that their case is being handled with care.

Davina pairs that personal approach with determined, strategic advocacy on her clients’ behalf. She develops the facts carefully, identifies the strongest path forward, and advocates fiercely for her clients’ interests at every stage of their case. She has represented individuals against employers ranging from small businesses to large corporations and has handled matters through investigation, administrative proceedings, settlement negotiations, discovery, motion practice, and trial.

Her practice includes matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, state and federal courts, and other administrative agencies. She is particularly experienced in disability discrimination, reasonable accommodations, medical leave, and retaliation against employees who assert their workplace rights.

In December 2024, Davina served as lead counsel in a six-day trial before the Illinois Human Rights Commission involving extensive documentary evidence and witness testimony. The Commission ultimately ruled in her client’s favor on a retaliation claim. That experience reflects the approach Davina brings to every matter: careful preparation, command of the evidence, and a willingness to litigate when necessary.

Before founding DiPaolo Law, Davina practiced plaintiff-side employment law at a Chicago-area employment litigation firm. Before entering private practice, she served as a fellow in the Women’s Reproductive Rights Project at the ACLU of Illinois. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. She spent her final year of law school as a Visiting Scholar at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, choosing to complete that year in Chicago to establish her legal career in Illinois.

Davina grew up in Chicago’s Little Italy and now lives with her husband and son in the Chicago suburbs.

Listen to Davina’s featured episode of Cornered: Out of Court, IICLE’s Employment Discrimination Podcast.

Listen to the episode ↗

Featured on IICLE’s Podcast

Testimonials

  • “Davina helped me with a very stressful work situation and I was confident she had my best interest in mind. It was my first time hiring a lawyer and she explained everything clearly and guided me along the way. I was truly grateful for her sensitivity and empathy towards me, and she did an amazing job resolving the issue with the best possible outcome. She was a great listener and I didn't have any doubts about her ability to be on top of things and look out for me.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo June 24, 2025

  • “Davina DiPaolo was thorough, proactive, and supportive. Her skill and approach gave me peace of mind through what would otherwise have been a very stressful process. I could not be happier with my decision to use their services. Thank you!”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo December 30, 2025

  • “Davina worked hand in hand with me on some workplace law matters. She was extremely attentive and helpful and was great at advocating for me and my case. I would highly recommend using her for anything regarding workplace employment as she was a true dream to work with.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo March 24 2025

  • “I hired Davina to help with an employment law issue. She did an excellent job representing me and fighting for my interests. She's very empathetic, has a lot of integrity and I can't recommend her enough if you need support in an employment dispute.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo November 20, 2025

  • “I worked with Davina DiPaolo to settle an employment dispute. She was extremely easy to work with and showed much empathy towards my situation. She was able to help me settle my dispute in a timely manner, and she was extremely professional and transparent throughout the entire process. Overall, my experience was excellent, and I would not hesitate to refer her to anyone.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo September 16, 2025

  • “Davina was responsive, professional and supportive during the process.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo March 24, 2025

  • “From our very first conversation through the conclusion of my case, Davina provided exceptional legal support. Navigating disputes with a former employer can be daunting and emotionally draining, yet she transformed an overwhelming process into one that felt clear and manageable.

    Davina consistently demonstrated a rare balance of fierce advocacy and genuine compassion. She was highly accessible, responded promptly to every question, and kept me well-informed at every stage. Her ability to combine sharp legal expertise with an unwavering commitment to client care gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout.

    I am deeply grateful for her guidance, professionalism, and dedication. Davina is not only an outstanding attorney but also an advocate who truly invests in her clients’ well-being. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone seeking expert, trustworthy, and compassionate representation.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo September 15, 2025

  • “I had an excellent experience working with Davina. From the very beginning, she was knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely invested in my case. She took the time to clearly explain my rights and options, answered every question thoroughly, and made a stressful situation much easier to navigate.

    What stood out most was her professionalism and strategic approach. She was well-prepared, honest about expectations, and consistently acted in my best interest. Communication was prompt and clear throughout the process, and I always felt informed and supported.

    Thanks to her expertise and dedication, my case was resolved successfully. I would highly recommend Davina to anyone needing help with an employment-related matter. You will be in capable, trustworthy hands.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo January 6, 2026

  • “Attorney DiPaolo was thorough and knowledgeable in advocating on my behalf.  She provided excellent legal representation and advice throughout this process.  She responded timely to any questions or concerns that I posed. She provided empathy and compassion that I didn't know I needed but I was extremely grateful to receive. I would highly recommend her services to anyone navigating employment disputes.”

    Former client of Davina DiPaolo November 30, 2025