Gone To Texas

An Illinois Hearing Board has recommended a six-month suspension with fitness

The allegations deemed admitted establish that, on January 6, 2012, Respondent was removed from the master roll of attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois for failure to comply with minimum continuing legal education requirements. She has not been restored to the master roll since that time. In 2018, Respondent, who resided in Texas and used the name “Nichole E. Humes,” falsely represented to her employer, Texas attorney Dorothy Lawrence, that she was authorized to practice law in Illinois. Based on Respondent’s misrepresentation, Lawrence filed a motion seeking Respondent’s pro hac vice admission in a matter pending in Taylor County, Texas. On December 2, 2022, in response to an inquiry from the State Bar of Texas into Lawrence’s conduct with respect to Respondent, Respondent provided a declaration that falsely stated she was “registered indefinitely as an out-of-state practicing attorney with the Illinois bar” and that she understood that registration to mean she was still licensed in Illinois. In addition, Respondent ignored multiple letters from the Administrator requesting information about the conduct at issue and failed to appear for a sworn statement after being served with a subpoena. Based on these admitted allegations, the Administrator established by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent violated Rules 8.1(b) and 8.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).

We have considered in mitigation that Respondent has no prior discipline. However, her failure to participate in these proceedings significantly aggravates her misconduct and leaves us unable to assess her fitness to practice law. Therefore, we agree with the Administrator that she should be suspended until further order of the Court.

The Administrator’s communications were sent to Respondent’s home in Dripping Springs, Texas. (Mike Frisch)