Welcome Ruben!

We are pleased to welcome Ruben R. Chapa to Airdo Werwas, LLC, as Senior Counsel.

Ruben brings more than three decades of experience in complex litigation, employment law, regulatory compliance, and enforcement matters. His practice at Airdo Werwas includes representing clients in both federal and state courts, advising employers and organizations on a wide range of legal issues, and working with the firm’s municipal and local government clients.

With extensive courtroom experience, Ruben handles a broad range of litigation and regulatory matters, including those involving ERISA, FLSA, OSHA, discrimination, whistleblower claims, cybersecurity, and other complex disputes. His background allows him to bring a comprehensive perspective to litigation, helping clients navigate legal challenges both inside and outside the courtroom.

Before joining Airdo Werwas, Ruben spent more than 30 years with the U.S. Department of Labor as a federal civil prosecutor and Regional Director. During that time, he litigated more than 200 matters and tried cases in federal district and bankruptcy courts across the country. He was also appointed Regional Director of the Chicago Employee Benefits Security Administration, where he directed civil and criminal investigations involving ERISA and fiduciary compliance.

Beyond his litigation and government service, Ruben has shared his legal expertise internationally, teaching trial advocacy in Spanish to judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys in Mexico, as well as instructing attorneys on employment law matters.

His combination of extensive litigation experience, government leadership, and regulatory knowledge provides a valuable perspective for the businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipal clients the firm serves. Ruben brings a practical, strategic approach to resolving complex legal challenges and advocating for his clients.

Ruben is also an active leader in Chicago’s legal community, with service to organizations including the Chicago Bar Association, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, Chicago Bar Foundation, Federal Bar Association, and the American Bar Association’s Labor and Employment Law Section.

He earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and his B.A. in History and Spanish from the University of Illinois Chicago.

Please join us in welcoming Ruben to Airdo Werwas, LLC!