2015 white washed report

PROSECUTIONS
We initiate prosecutions where necessary to protect the public, the courts and the legal profession. The Illinois Supreme Court sanctions lawyers for misconduct in most cases; a repri- mand can be imposed by either the Hearing or Review Board. We observe several key trends.
DISCIPLINARY COMPLAINTS
81 disciplinary complaints filed before the Hearing
Board, a 27-year low.
77% alleged fraudulent or deceptive activity.
39% of disciplinary complaints were the result of an attorney report (aka “Himmel” report), the highest percentage reported.
130 cases concluded by the Hearing Board, a significant reduction over the prior year.
63% of cases were concluded without the need for the Hearing Board to issue a report and recommendation.
39% of cases were concluded at the Hearing Board by discipline on consent.
18% of cases were concluded by default.
SANCTIONS
129 sanctions were entered against 128 lawyers.
85% of disciplined lawyers were male.
62% of disciplined lawyers were between the ages of 50 and 74.
61% of disciplined lawyers were sole practitioners. 45% of disciplined lawyers were disbarred or
suspended until further order of the court.
37% of disciplined lawyers were 30 or more years in practice.
27% of disciplined lawyers had one or more iden- tified substance abuse or mental impairment issue.
2 disciplined lawyers were out-of-state lawyers sanctioned for engaging in the unauthorized practice of law in Illinois.