Pro Bono Service Mitigates Sanction

An attorney who had failed to communicate with and return unearned fees to two clients accepted a stipulated reprimand that was approved by an Illinois Hearing Board. He initially had failed to respond to the bar investigation but eventually did so. Mitigating factors included health issues and significant pro bono service. Special mitigation, Chicago-style: “[H]is handling of a pro bono case in behalf of a Nazi prison camp survivor was praised in a column by the late Mike Royko in the Chicago Tribune.” The attorney also must complete the ARDC Professionalism Seminer within one year. (Mike Frisch)