The ARDC has filed a complaint against two lawyers of a Chicago law firm and has alleged that they engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in New Mexico, Georgia and North Carolina. This is an unusual complaint. Usually, the ARDC brings cases for the unauthorized practice of law against those who were not licensed in Illinois and who attempted to practice law in Illinois. The two lawyers accused in the complaint are licensed in Illinois and are in good standing with the Illinois. The ARDC has claimed that they wrongfully practiced in other states and failed to promptly refund fees for those matters. The underlying matters involved real estate foreclosures in other states.
This case is a reminder to everyone that Illinois lawyers are not licensed to practice law in other states.
Edward X. Clinton, Jr.