In an alternate timeline, former 13th Ward Democratic Organization employee Alaina Hampton would be gearing up for depositions this month, as would the Democratic heavy hitters she sued in her March 2018 lawsuit claiming retaliation for reporting sexual harassment from former senior colleague Kevin Quinn.

But Hampton settled the case with the four campaign organizations controlled by House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) late last month, the news breaking late on Friday evening the day after Thanksgiving. Hampton won $275,000 in the settlement, though she only will pocket $75,000, the rest going to attorney’s fees. 

Hampton’s lead attorney, Shelly Kulwin of Chicago-based litigation firm Kulwin, Masciopinto & Kulwin LLP, sat down with The Daily Line recently to talk about Hampton’s case now that it’s settled, and what lessons can be learned from the experience.