Illinois Supreme Court

The Illinois Supreme Court unanimously overturned the Appellate Court's decision today that puts Rahm Emanuel back on the ballot for Chicago mayor. Justice Thomas delivered the judgment of the court with Chief Justice Kilbride and Justices Garman, Karmeier and Theis concurring. Justices Freeman and Burke specially concurred, with opinion. Click here to read the opinion.

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the filing of disciplinary orders involving a number of licensed lawyers. Sanctions were imposed because the lawyers engaged in professional misconduct by violating state ethics law. More information on each case is available at the ARDC website.

DISBARRED

• Dave Ellis Compton, Chicago

Mr. Compton, who was licensed in 1991, was disbarred on consent. He pled guilty to bringing cannabis into a Cook County Criminal Court House detention area. He was suspended on an interim basis on July 9, 2010.

• Forrest David Laidley, Libertyville

Mr. Laidley, who was admitted in 1978, was disbarred on consent. He pled guilty in federal court to attempted mail fraud and bank fraud and was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison. He was suspended on an interim basis and until further order of the Court on December 28, 2010.

• Eric Tyrone Tolen, St. Louis, Mo.

Mr. Tolen, who was licensed in 1986, was disbarred on consent. He was convicted in Missouri on multiple counts of statutory sodomy and one count of victim tampering. He was sentenced to a 65-year term of imprisonment. Mr. Tolen was suspended on an interim basis on February 3, 2009.

• Bradford Francis Wisniewski, Chicago

Mr. Wisniewski, who was licensed in 1977, was disbarred. He misappropriated approximately $35,000 in client funds, neglected multiple client matters, failed to communicate with clients, did not return unearned fees and failed to cooperate with the ARDC. He did not appear at his disciplinary hearing.

Justice Rita B. Garman of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Circuit Court vacancy in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The at-large vacancy is created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Theodore E. Paine effective November 3, 2010. Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to final Court approval. The applicants will undergo an evaluation and screening process.

The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Mary S. Trew, Erica L. Reddick and James L. Kaplan to the office of Cook County Circuit Judge. Trew is replacing the retiring Hon. James R. Epstein. Reddick is replacing the Hon. Dorothy Kirie Kinnaird, who is retiring on Dec. 5, 2010. Kaplan is taking the position of the Hon. Melvin J. Cole, who is also retiring on Dec. 5. All three appointments are effecting through Dec. 3, 2012.