The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on May 14, 2015, during the May Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
ARDC
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May 14, 2015 |
Practice News
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May 1, 2015 |
Practice News
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), the administrative agency that regulates licensed Illinois lawyers, has filed its year 2014 Annual Report with the Supreme Court of Illinois. The report was released to the public this morning when a copy was posted on the ARDC website: www.iardc.org.
A summary of the annual report entitled Highlights from the 2014 Annual Report is available below.- Lawyer Population
The names of 92,756 lawyers appeared on the Master Roll of Attorneys as of October 31, 2014. That number does not include 1,902 attorneys who took their oath of office in late 2014. The overall lawyer population in Illinois saw a modest increase of 1.8% over 2013. The percentage of attorneys reporting a principal address outside Illinois increased 7.4% from the year before. The number of female lawyers has slowly but steadily risen over the last 20 years. Female lawyers are 38% of Illinois lawyers in 2014, a 1% increase over the prior year. Ten years ago, women lawyers made up 32% of the legal profession in 2004 and only 25% of Illinois lawyers in 1994. There are 371 Illinois lawyers who serve on active military duty.
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March 31, 2015 |
People
The State of Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed personal injury attorney, Stephan D. Blandin, to a one year-commitment on the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) hearing board , effective March 1, 2015. Founding partner and principal at Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Blandin has served on the ARDC’s hearing board for four years. He is one of more than 75 hearing board members who will make recommendations in disciplinary matters of lawyers in Illinois. The mission of the ARDC is to promote and protect the integrity of the legal profession, at the direction of the Illinois Supreme Court, through attorney registration, education, investigation, prosecution and remedial action.
“I look forward to hearing grievances of my fellow attorneys and assisting in disciplinary matters,” said Mr. Blandin. “It’s an honor to provide ethical guidance to lawyers, balancing their rights with those of the public to ultimately preserve the integrity of the profession and ensure that the Illinois public can trust in the legal system.”
Mr. Blandin’s hearing board activities guarantees confidentiality during all grievance investigations, while disciplinary actions are adjudicated publicly. All ARDC board members are comprised of volunteer lawyers and non-lawyers who work under the direct supervision of the Chair of the Commission, Joan M. Eagle. The ARDC operates under the authority of the Supreme Court, which regulates the admission and discipline of lawyers in Illinois.
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March 18, 2015 |
People | Practice News
ISBA Past President Timothy Bertschy has been appointed as a member of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. He fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Stuart R. Lefstein for a term expiring Dec. 31, 2015, and until a successor is appointed. Bertschy is the managing partner of Heyl Royster in Peoria.
1 comment (Most recent March 19, 2015) -
March 17, 2015 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on March 12, 2015, during the March Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
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February 9, 2015 |
Practice News
As part of its continuing effort to promote public confidence in the administration of justice, the Illinois Supreme Court has announced that a client whose case is not completed due to the death or disability of his or her attorney, and who has made reasonable efforts to pursue civil remedies, is now eligible to apply for reimbursement of unearned fees paid to the attorney.
When adopted in 1994, Supreme Court Rule 780 created a Client Protection Program (CPP) Trust Fund to reimburse certain losses incurred by clients of Illinois lawyers. The rule was created to provide a mechanism for a client to obtain reimbursement if the attorney engaged in dishonest conduct causing the client financial loss. The fund is administered by the Illinois Attorney and Registration Commission (ARDC).
According to Supreme Court Chief Justice Rita B. Garman, “The Court recognizes that a client may also incur such a loss when the attorney dies or becomes disabled during the representation. By amending this rule, we signal to the public that we are equally concerned about the client who suffers a financial loss due to events outside the attorney’s control, such as death or disability.”
The amendment is effective immediately. Claimants may apply for reimbursement through the CPP. More information on submitting a claim is available at: https://www.iardc.org/clientprotection.html.
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January 18, 2015 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, during the January Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
1 comment (Most recent January 26, 2015) -
January 8, 2015 |
Member Services | Practice News
Bundled with a complimentary Fastbook PDF download!
This handy reference book conveniently brings together all of the rules governing the legal profession and judiciary in Illinois. It includes the Illinois Code of Judicial Conduct, the Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys, the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, the Rules of the ARDC, and the Rules of the Board of Admission and Committee on Character and Fitness.
Originally published and distributed by the ARDC, this trusted compilation of official rules is now being published by the ISBA. Take advantage of our great member price and order your copy today!
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Price: ISBA Member, $15; Non-member $25
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November 14, 2014 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on Thursday, November 13, 2014, during the November Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.
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September 15, 2014 |
Practice News
The Supreme Court of Illinois announced the filing of lawyer disciplinary orders on Sept. 12, 2014, during the September Term of Court. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law.