Engineering Structures Jobs in River Grove

Director of Wealth Transfer Strategy | Chicago or St. Louis

• Current or prior law firm experience required
• LL.M. a plus
• 10+ years of sophisticated estate planning experience
• Extensive client contact
• Ability to assist advisors in closing new business opportunities; business development and prospecting are not required.
• $300's - 400's total compensation, in addition to an excellent benefits package

The firm is seeking an Estate Planning Attorney to lead the structuring and implementation of complex estate planning, wealth transfer, and business succession matters for ultra-high-net-worth families and family offices. This role serves as a technical authority, reviewing and designing sophisticated planning structures and advising on multi-generational strategies, governance considerations, and closely held business interests.

Chicago or St. Louis - Relocation assistance available.

The Merker Group (a well respected National legal recruiting firm), is working on a role for a one of our top Am Law 100 firms in search of a sophisticated practitioner to represent a diverse portfolio of elite clients, including founders of emerging tech companies, principals at leading investment funds (PE/Hedge), and multi-generational high-net-worth families.

You will serve as a primary legal counselor, managing the intersection of personal wealth, corporate structure, and long-term legacy planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Advisory: Counsel clients on the full spectrum of financial affairs, including high-level estate and income tax optimization, corporate restructuring, and the governance of family offices and private trust companies.
• Advanced Wealth Transfer: Design and implement complex vehicles such as GRATs, SLATs, ILITs, and DIGTs to maximize tax efficiency and mitigate future disputes.
• Fiduciary Administration: Lead all aspects of estate and trust administration, including sophisticated modification strategies like trust decanting, mergers, and nonjudicial settlement agreements.
• Philanthropic Impact: Facilitate complex charitable goals through the establishment of private foundations, donor-advised funds (DAFs), and major grant arrangements.
• Tax Compliance: Oversee the preparation of intricate federal filings (e.g., Forms 706 and 709), navigating specialized tax code provisions such as GST allocations and payment extensions under Sections 6161 and 6166.

Candidate Qualifications

• Education: JD or LLM from an accredited institution.
• Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of dedicated experience in premium estate planning and GST tax strategy.
• Technical Proficiency: Proven track record drafting comprehensive testamentary and lifetime planning documents within an intricate legal framework.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to conduct deep-dive legal research into multi-jurisdictional and cross-border tax issues.
• Licensure: Must be a member in good standing of a U.S. State Bar (with the ability to waive into the local jurisdiction if necessary).

Work Environment & Compensation

• Model: Modern hybrid work structure (partial in-office presence required in a major metropolitan hub).
• Compensation: Competitive market-based salary ($235k–$325k range) with a comprehensive executive benefits package and performance-based bonus eligibility.

Apply Now or email Kevin at to discuss confidentially.

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Real Estate Paralegal

The Real Estate Paralegal supports sophisticated, high-value commercial transactions involving multiple properties, financing structures, and tight deadlines. Under the general direction of the Paralegal Manager, supervising attorney(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures, the Paralegal is responsible for providing paralegal support and assistance to attorneys in the coordination, management and supervision of all aspects of real estate transactions.

The Paralegal's primary responsibility is the review, analysis, and coordination of due diligence for commercial transactions. This includes the review of title commitments and underlying recorded title documents, ALTA surveys, and zoning reports. This is a hands-on, detail-heavy, deadline-driven real estate paralegal role that requires accuracy, speed, judgment, and follow-through. Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the review the review and preparation of UCC filings, review and abstract of leases/estoppels/SNDAs, and other tasks related to sophisticated commercial real estate closings. The Paralegal will coordinate closely with attorneys, title companies and underwriters, surveyors, zoning consultants, and internal teams. The Paralegal maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

This role is best suited for candidates comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where accuracy and responsiveness are critical to closing timelines. Strong candidates for this role typically have hands-on experience with:

• Reviewing and analyzing title commitments and exception documentsInterpreting ALTA surveys and zoning reports
• Identifying and resolving diligence issues impacting closings
• Coordinating directly with title companies and third-party consultants
• Supporting complex commercial transactions

The Real Estate Paralegal position can be located in the Chicago or Charlotte office. Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Review and analyze title commitments, policies, and underlying title documents.
• Interpret and analyze ALTA surveys and zoning reports for transactional impact.
• Review and summarize declarations, REAs, and CCRs for material restrictions or risks.
• Proactive communication and coordination with third parties to finalize diligence matters on tight deadlines.
• Prepare and/or review UCC Financing Statements.
• Review and summarize UCC/lien/judgment searches.
• Manage multiple active deals at different stages simultaneously.
• Collaborate with other members of the National Due Diligence Team.
• Coordinate and assist with documentation for closing and post-closing requirements.
• Perform lease abstracting.
• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• On a case-by-case basis, may supervise the work performed by Project Assistant and/or Paralegal I and II staff.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, training, and providing input into the performance appraisal process.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years progressive work experience in the real estate transactional area preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required. Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program a plus.
• Applicable knowledge, experience, and proficiency in title, survey, and zoning review and analysis, UCC searches and preparation, and lease abstracting.
• Computer proficient with experience and working knowledge of real estate-related databases, internet research, due diligence, Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail, or verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information and training, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, paralegals, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
• Exhibit high degree of initiative with excellent analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic in order to analyze and research real estate transactional data, process information, conduct legal research, and perform essential duties.
• Dependable team player with the ability to act independently and make decisions within scope of the position's responsibilities. Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee numerous tasks from inception to completion, and ensure work is completed within strict deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare real estate transactional documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, and verifying numerical data on forms and documents.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, facsimile, etc.
• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. Candidates must be comfortable with a flexible schedule including occasional after-hours email monitoring and responsiveness during peak periods or urgent matters.
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required.

The annualized salary range for this position can range between $80,000 to $130,000. Actual pay will be adjusted based on location, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

***APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OR SUBMIT ONLY VIA LINKEDIN WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.***

Strategy Associate

mHUB is seeking a Strategy Associate to support organizational strategy, high-impact initiatives, and executive communications for the organization at-large, including mHUB's incubator, innovation consulting, and venture capital and real estate investment activities. This role partners closely with senior leadership to help translate vision into action, bringing analytical skills, structure, and strong storytelling to the organization's most important priorities.

We are looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and is excited to work at the intersection of innovation, venture capital and real estate investment, and economic development. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain visibility into executive decision-making while contributing meaningfully to strategic initiatives that shape the future of manufacturing and hardtech-based economic development.

You will be a strong fit for this role if you are intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and energized by complex, high-impact work. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable building financial and market analyses and drafting thought leadership, synthesizing research and preparing board materials, and moving fluidly between analysis and communication. This role is ideal for someone who doesn't mind getting into the details, building the decks, running the analysis, tackling administrative tasks, and managing the follow-through to support how key decisions are made.

The Strategy Associate reports to and works in close partnership with the Chief of Staff to execute against the priorities of the Office of the CEO: supporting planning, market analysis, strategic initiative management, governance processes, and CEO/Managing Partner communications. This position is ideal for someone looking to deepen their experience in strategy, leadership operations, and organizational growth within a mission-driven, innovation-focused organization.

Description of Responsibilities

• Partner with the Chief of Staff to manage enterprise priorities, ensuring strategic initiatives are well-designed, clearly communicated, and executed with discipline and follow-through.
• Support the design and management of cross-functional strategic initiatives, including developing project plans, tracking milestones and risks, and providing clear status updates to executive leadership.
• Conduct research, market assessments, and competitive analyses to inform strategic planning, new program development, and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic frameworks, business cases, and briefing materials to support executive decision-making across the nonprofit and venture capital funds.
• Draft executive- and board-ready presentations, memos, and background materials that clearly synthesize complex information and surface key implications.
• Draft and refine CEO/Managing Partner communications, including internal updates, email management, mass communications, thought leadership pieces, and speaking materials, ensuring alignment between strategy and messaging.
• Support continued development and rollout of the organization's AI strategy, including implementing best practices across the team and leading development of key AI-enhanced products and features
• Monitor federal, state, and local policy and funding priorities to identify opportunities that align with mHUB's growth and economic development goals.
• Assist in the development of public and private funding strategies, including research, proposal support, and preparation of materials related to grants and capital opportunities.
• Organize and coordinate internal and external stakeholders required to advance enterprise initiatives, including convening working sessions, preparing materials, and managing follow-up.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of high-priority initiatives and alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; able to bring structure to ambiguity and follow through on complex, multi-step initiatives.
• Technology and AI fluency to support continued adoption across the organization.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into clear insights and actionable recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting executive-level materials.
• Ability to move between strategic thinking and detail-oriented execution, with a bias towards action and getting things done.
• Comfort working independently while maintaining strong collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.
• Intellectual curiosity, humility, and a willingness to take ownership of both high-visibility and behind-the-scenes administrative and operational work.
• Comfort operating in environments where priorities evolve quickly and ambiguity is the norm.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, with 3–5 years of professional experience in strategy, consulting, project management, public policy, economic development, venture, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees in business, public policy, urban planning, economics, or related discipline welcomed, but demonstrated experience executing complex initiatives in real-world environments is more important.
• Experience supporting public or private funding strategies, grant writing, or capital formation efforts preferred.
• Proven experience designing, developing, and deploying AI agents—including fine‐tuning, instruction‐training, or pre‐training large language models (LLMs) using modern machine‐learning frameworks.
• Experience working in entrepreneurial, mission-driven, or cross-sector environments preferred.

Work Details, Salary and Duration

• This position is full-time and open for immediate hire
• This position will be onsite/in-person 5-days a week at mHUB's facility in Chicago
• Salary range is $85,000-95,000, commensurate with experience
• Competitive benefits package

Request for Applications

If interested, please submit the following to with the subject: Application – Strategy Associate.

• Resume/CV
• 1-page cover letter highlighting relevant experience

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so please submit as soon as you become aware of and interested in the role.

Novipax, the market leader of absorbent pad solutions in the United States, is looking to add a Bill of Materials Analyst (BOMA) to our Crew.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced BOM Analyst to manage and maintain the Bill of Materials and routers (designated as BOMs throughout). The BOMA will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of product data throughout the lifecycle of development and production. This role requires close collaboration with the operations, technical, finance, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless operations and product delivery.

RESPONSIBILITES / DUTIES:

• Create, update, and maintain accurate BOMs and raw material part numbers for all Novipax products.
• Ensure BOMs are aligned with technical specifications, design changes, and manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate and implement changes affecting the BOM.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure timely incorporation of design and process changes.
• Maintain a controlled process for BOM versioning to track revisions and updates.
• Perform regular audits of BOM data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with organizational and industry standards.
• Validate the compatibility of components to avoid production errors.
• Troubleshoot discrepancies in BOM data and resolve issues in collaboration with relevant teams.
• Collaborate with operations, finance, technical, and procurement teams to ensure BOMs meet production needs and cost targets.
• Act as a liaison between finance, technical, operations, and supply chain teams to resolve BOM-related challenges.
• Working with Finance, prepare data, analysis and postmortem for company required cost rolls.
• Support new product introduction processes by developing and finalizing BOMs for new models or designs.
• Generate reports and metrics to support decision-making, cost analysis, and project tracking related to Novipax standards – OEE, BOMs, labor costs, waste, etc.
• Analyze BOM data to identify opportunities for cost reduction or process improvement.

Experience and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in BOM management or related roles in a manufacturing organization.
• Familiarity with manufacturing product development and processes.
• Strong proficiency in ERP systems for BOM management (e.g., SAP, Oracle, IQMS).
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and data management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite; Excel power user strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to understand requests and problems, inform on status, and negotiate solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies preferred.

Business Development Representative (BDR) (FULL TIME ON SITE)

On-Site | River Grove, IL// 1900 N. 5th Ave.

$60,000 Base | $75,000 OTE

We’ve got the deals. We want more people in the market to know about it.

The Bazaar Inc. is a 65-year-old, family-owned closeout & off-price distributor.

We’re looking for a hungry, energetic, and personable BDR who wants to be part of a growing and successful team — This is a job for someone who wants to dive in and learn how to build a business, and not just make calls.

This role sits at the front of our revenue engine. You create pipeline. You generate opportunity. You fuel growth.

• Follow up on inbound leads daily (speed matters). Our website produces 20-30 warm leads a week.
• Execute outbound calls, emails, and LinkedIn outreach. Connect with Key people in our industry.
• Qualify prospects against ICP through onboarding calls.
• Book showroom visits & meetings for Account Managers.
• Maintain clean CRM and track activity.
• Support our account manager team and receive mentorship from them along the way.

• Strong communicator. A true "People Person"
• Comfortable with high-volume outbound.
• Resilient and competitive.
• Organized and process-driven.
• 0–3 years in sales, BDR/SDR, recruiting, or customer-facing roles.
• A drive to be in sales.

• Outbound activity.
• Meetings booked.
• Qualified opportunities created.
• Lead → opportunity conversion.
• Overall company performance- hitting EBITDA Goals.

• 65-year-old family business with big growth ambitions.
• Performance gets rewarded. We promote from within.
• Learn how real distribution, buying, and selling actually works.
• Work directly with experienced sales leaders.
• Fast-paced, high-accountability culture — no corporate red tape.

$60K Base | $75K OTE

High activity. High accountability. Real upside.

• If you want to build a career, not just collect a paycheck — let’s talk.

Position Overview

The IT Network Engineer at Spotless Brands ("Company") serves as the primary technical owner of our enterprise network architecture across all car wash locations, data centers, cloud services and corporate offices. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, securing, and operating a highly available, scalable, and cost-effective network that supports Point-Of-Sale systems, wash equipment, IoT devices, video systems, guest Wi-Fi, and corporate applications.

This is a hands-on, design-authority role. You will define standards, lead network strategy, and be the escalation point for complex network issues in a geographically distributed, business-critical environment where uptime directly impacts revenue. This role will support our cyber security capabilities and partner with vendors to ensure data and mobile career performance and availability.

This role will be the leader for delivering network services and join an exciting, growing company. You will make a difference in our business and we will invest in you to grow your career!

Key Responsibilities

Network Architecture and Deployment

• Design, implement, and support LAN, WAN, VPN, SD‑WAN, and wireless networks across corporate and retail locations
• Configure and maintain routing, switching, VLAN segmentation, and WAN connectivity
• Support onboarding and integration of newly acquired locations
• Implement scalable network designs aligned with Spotless Brands’ growth strategy
• Retail and Field Network Support
• Ensure reliable connectivity for POS systems, payment processing, tunnel controllers, license plate recognition, video and IoT water monitoring devices
• Support retail uptime requirements and minimize business disruption
• Work with Field IT teams and vendors to deploy network infrastructure at new and existing sites
• Cloud and Hybrid Networking
• Support Azure networking including VNets, VPN Gateway, private endpoints, and hybrid connectivity
• Maintain secure connectivity between on‑premise infrastructure and Azure cloud services
• Support SaaS integrations and secure internet access for distributed locations
• Network Security
• Configure and manage firewall platforms
• Implement network segmentation, VPN access, and secure remote connectivity
• Support cybersecurity initiatives aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and PCI requirements
• Assist with vulnerability remediation and incident response
• Operations and Monitoring
• Monitor network performance, availability, and reliability across all sites
• Troubleshoot and resolve network outages, latency issues, and connectivity failures
• Maintain network diagrams, configurations, and documentation
• Participate in on‑call support rotation
• Vendor and Project Support
• Work with ISPs, managed service providers, and hardware vendors
• Support infrastructure upgrades, cloud migration initiatives, and SD‑WAN rollout
• Participate in technology evaluation and architecture planning

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–10 years of enterprise network engineering experience
• Experience supporting distributed, multi‑site environments
• Strong experience with routing, switching, and firewall configuration
• Experience with enterprise wireless networks
• Experience with VPN technologies and secure remote connectivity
• Experience supporting Azure or hybrid cloud environments

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience with Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Cisco, or Sonicwall networking platforms
• Experience with Azure networking (VNets, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute)
• Experience supporting retail or distributed operational environments
• Experience with SD‑WAN solutions
• Network automation experience using PowerShell or Python
• Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, AZ‑700, NSE, or equivalent
• Good organization, time management, and prioritization skills
• Excellent reasoning, analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
• Strong attention to detail

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Occasional travel to field sites or business locations as required; travel less than 10%
• May require occasional extended hours during system updates or incident resolution

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Spotless Brands and its subsidiaries comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or recruitment process, please contact the Human Resources department and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Human Resources team will respond to your email promptly.

Spotless Brands and its affiliate brands are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. Spotless Brands invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for career opportunities. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran, disabled status or any other protected group status as defined by and subject to applicable federal, state and local laws. We use E-Verify to check employment eligibility: and

About GEMCO
Founded in July 2014 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, GEMCO Constructors is a national mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building automation systems, and service contractor. We provide comprehensive design and build solutions for customers across the United States and hold engineering and construction registrations, licenses, and certifications in more than 30 states. With coast-to-coast operations, GEMCO delivers safe, efficient, and innovative solutions across diverse markets.

Position Summary
Lead and supervise journeyman and apprentice electricians on commercial projects across Indiana. Own safety, productivity, quality, and material procurement while coordinating schedules, inspections, and daily reporting to deliver code-compliant installations on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan daily work, assign crews, and mentor apprentices.
• Read/interpret drawings, specs, and submittals; verify layout.
• Coordinate labor, materials, tools, and equipment with the Superintendent.
• Monitor productivity and workmanship; enforce GEMCO safety standards.
• Conduct toolbox talks; complete time sheets and daily/weekly reports.
• Lead inspections, testing, and commissioning to meet specs and codes.
• Interface with GCs, inspectors, and other trades; resolve field issues.
• Uphold quality control and material tracking; perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands
Frequent standing, bending, reaching, and repetitive lifting up to 50 lbs; climbing ladders; working from lifts/scaffolds and at heights; driving between job sites; indoor/outdoor conditions; other manual labor as required.

Requirements

• 10+ years commercial electrical experience; 3–5+ years foreman experience preferred.
• Proven crew leadership and training capability.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, NEC, methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Ability to read blueprints/specifications; solid communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer/mobile proficiency (time entry, email, reporting apps).
• Valid driver's license; willingness to travel within Indiana.

Summary

Why GEMCO

Join a fast-growing national contractor offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on company success.

Benefits and Perks

• Company paid benefits package
• Health Savings Account with company contribution and matching
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off
• Annual bonus
• Holiday bonus
• Anniversary bonus program
• Phone allowance
• Company vehicle truck or van based on role

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.