Continuing Education

A three-year suspension and until further court order has been recommended by an Illinois Hearing Board for an attorney who had defaulted on disciplinary charges

The allegations deemed admitted establish that Respondent: 1) submitted a false certification to the MCLE Board stating he had completed all of his continuing legal education requirements for the period ending June 30, 2022, when in fact he had completed only five of the required thirty hours; 2) engaged in the unauthorized practice of law by appearing before the court in fourteen client matters and communicating with opposing counsel in one client matter after he had been notified of his removal from the master roll; and 3) neglected the dissolution matter of his client, Andra Collins, causing her to retain a new attorney to complete her matter. By this conduct, Respondent violated Rules 1.3, 1.4(a)(1), 1.4(a)(2), 1.4(a)(3), 5.5(a), and 8.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).

Respondent’s failure to participate in this proceeding is a serious factor in aggravation. In addition, Respondent demonstrated disrespect for the Court and the profession by attempting to deceive the MCLE Board. In mitigation, Respondent has no prior discipline. We considered this factor, but it does not warrant recommending a different sanction.

(Mike Frisch)