Cleaning Arrangement With Client Draws Charges

The Illinois Administrator has filed a complaint alleging that an attorney made an improper business arrangement with a divorce client who could not keep up with her fee payments

In May 2014, Respondent told [client] Joenne that he needed her to pay something towards expenses in her case. Respondent told Joenne he had lost his cleaning service and said she could work off part of the expenses by cleaning his house. Joenne initially did not agree to clean Respondent’s house.

In July 2014, Respondent again asked Joenne if she would clean his house. In July 2014, Joenne agreed that she would clean Respondent’s house to help pay off her bill for his legal services.

In July 2014, Joenne requested that Respondent give her credit of $35-$40 per hour for her services.

Respondent said he would only credit her $25 per hour for her services. Joenne agreed to the $25 per hour rate offered by Respondent.

Respondent instructed Joenne not to tell anyone about their arrangement, and told Joenne he did not want Jesse or his attorney, Stephanie Johnson (“Johnson”), to know about the arrangement.

At no time did Respondent advise Joenne in writing that she may seek the advice of independent counsel on the housekeeping transaction.]

At no time did Respondent advise Joenne in writing that she may seek the advice of independent counsel on the housekeeping transaction.

At no time did Respondent advise Joenne that she may have to disclose her housekeeping services to Jesse, and that her employment could negatively affect her pending claim for spousal maintenance, as she was claiming she could not work because she was caring for her disabled daughter, and that she could not find work.

At no time did Respondent advise Joenne that if she did not disclose in discovery her housekeeping services to Respondent that she may be filing inaccurate discovery responses, which could harm her case or subject her to sanctions.

At no time did Respondent disclose and transmit the terms of the housekeeping arrangement to Joenne in writing.

Between July and December 2014, Joenne spent approximately 160 hours cleaning Respondent’s house, and earned $4,000. In December 2014, Joenne told Respondent she no longer wanted to clean his house, and the arrangement ended.

The attorney is also charged with making false statements and other misconduct. (Mike Frisch)