An Illinois Hearing Board proposes a 30-day suspension

Respondent was charged with misconduct in two separate matters. In one matter, Respondent used funds belonging to a client to reimburse herself for expenses she had incurred in representing the client, without full authority from her client. In the other matter, while representing a client in connection with litigation, Respondent loaned the client $1,200 for living expenses, to be repaid from the settlement proceeds.

The Hearing Board found, as to the first matter, that Respondent improperly used some of the funds belonging to her client. The Hearing Board found, however, that the Administrator did not prove Respondent did so dishonestly or that Respondent failed to promptly deliver funds the client was entitled to receive. As to the second matter, the Hearing Board found that Respondent provided improper financial assistance to a client. The Hearing Board recommended that Respondent be suspended for thirty days and until she repays her client $818.