Joseph (Joe) Torres

At Karmel & Torres, LLC, in Chicago, Joseph (Joe) Torres brings a wealth of knowledge to labor and employment law. With a particular focus on advocating for both public and private unions, he is well-versed in navigating administrative, grievance and arbitration proceedings, as well as state and federal court cases. Beyond traditional labor law, he is proficient in the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, state and federal discrimination, and anti-retaliation laws.

Mr. Torres serves as an external legal advisor for unions representing diverse groups such as retail and commercial food workers, cannabis workers, nurses and employees in the auto and defense manufacturing sectors. His endeavors encompass various legal puzzles such as navigating labor disputes before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), deciphering contracts and addressing disciplinary matters, overseeing administrative inquiries and hearings, and tackling other employment-related courtroom battles. Furthermore, he is knowledgeable about devising and implementing legal strategies that empower union organizing and facilitate contract negotiations.

A proud alumnus of the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Torres graduated magna cum laude in 2013 with a major in political science and philosophy. He went on to earn his J.D. cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2017, where he was also a part of the College of Law Trial Team and graduated from the Mirza Trial Academy.

As a trailblazer in the field of union-side cannabis law, Mr. Torres plays a pivotal role in guiding cannabis unions through their foundational stages, including spearheading initial organizing campaigns. Notably, he negotiated Illinois’ inaugural cannabis collective bargaining agreements, securing substantial wage and benefit enhancements for workers. He has also successfully represented cannabis workers in NLRB proceedings, safeguarding their rights to organize under the National Labor Relations Act. 

Active in the legal community, Mr. Torres is engaged with the American Bar Association and The Chicago Bar Association. Before joining Karmel & Torres, LLC, his previous roles include interning for Senator Richard Durbin on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and participating in the Illinois Federal Civil Rights Clinic.