Yes. Illinois is an "employment at-will" state, meaning that an employer or employee may terminate the relationship at any time, without any reason or cause. You can file a claim about your final paycheck under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act with the Illinois Department of Labor.Illinois employment separation agreements are used to set terms when an employee's job ends. Instead of quitting or being fired, which are one-sided decisions. The only time an Illinois employer must give severance is when there is a contract or a company policy mandating it. As employment lawyers, Cotler Law LLC is able to assist clients in all phases of the employment relationship from hiring through termination. Seeking legal assistance? Our Chicago severance attorney is here to help with your severance agreement case. Severance Agreement Negotiations - Chicago Employment Law Lawyer. When employees are able to provide that there is a public interest at stake and an employee stands up for what is right, punitive damage awards are frequently.