Cara Ottenweller counsels employers on complex human resources and employment law issues, offering practical solutions that align with her clients’ business goals.
Her primary goal is to keep her clients out of the courtroom and, when issues arise, to help them navigate out of legal difficulties.
With clients ranging from large multinational corporations to small startups, she works with business owners, executives, in-house attorneys and HR professionals. Cara advises on complicated termination issues, FMLA and ADA accommodation scenarios, wage and hour compliance, and workforce restructuring efforts. She develops workplace policies, conducts sensitive investigations, and leads interactive employment training courses for her clients.
When disputes arise, she successfully defends employers in federal and state litigation, arbitral forums and administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the U.S. Department of Labor and other federal, state and local agencies. She also represents unionized employers in grievance arbitrations and labor relations arbitrations.
Cara focuses on getting to know her clients and partners with them to achieve their goals through practical and efficient workplace solutions.
I am a practical and reliable business partner who consistently delivers results.
Credentials
Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2007
- Indiana University, B.A., 2002
Bar Admissions
- Indiana, 2007
- Illinois, 2012
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, 2007
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 2011
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2012
Affiliations
- Member, American Bar Association
Recognition
- Leading Lawyers – Employment Law: Management; Labor Law: Management, Leading Lawyer (2020-2026)
Insights & Events
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Chicago, IL 2026
March 19, 2026
News
Vedder Price Advises Exante in Sale to Vanda
January 13, 2026
News
Cara J. Ottenweller Featured in Bloomberg Law
May 23, 2025
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Rosemont, IL 2025
May 15, 2025
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Chicago, IL 2025
April 10, 2025
News
Vedder Price Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Rapid Response Team
February 25, 2025
Deals & Transactions
Vedder Price Advises Castle Harlan in its Investment in Alumni Educational Solutions
October 17, 2024
Deals & Transactions
Vedder Price Represents Industrial Service Solutions and Wynnchurch Capital in Sale of Its Inspection Services Segment to Element Materials Technology
October 7, 2024
