Are legislators really concerned about the (lack of) ethics of Family Law lawyers?  Maybe.  Are legislators concerned about the ARDC’s (Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission) failure to investigate?  Probably not.

Attached is a letter from the then House Judiciary Committee to the ARDC regarding their concerns.  It is signed by EVERY member of the Judiciary Committee.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6FbJzwtHocwMEJLOUpvZW9qLU5ob0RNQTVzeUJfbERFZ3hR

Yet, what has the ARDC done?  Nothing.  They just ignored it.  Why?  Because Family Law is the biggest revenue generator for attorneys: so no one wants to touch it, even if there is a “call” to look into it.

I know, some can argue that this letter is concerning GALs and Child Reps.  True, but what are GALs and Child Reps?  They are lawyers selected from Family Law Attorneys.  (I have a lot to say about GALs and the GAL program, but that would take another several weeks of emails to get out that I will save that for the time we reintroduce legislation regarding these low-lifes.)

During the time of this letter, what else happened?  Nothing, except the members of the Judiciary Committee feigned concern before the Advocates while they give a wink and nudge to fellow attorneys knowing that nothing would happen.  At least we have this letter to waive around when we are challenged as disgruntled people who are attacking those hard-working attorneys.

So, if you are in a position where you have to speak negatively of attorneys, waive the letter and let them know that EVERY member of the Judiciary Committee signed this letter, and yet, nothing has changed regarding investigation of the practice of Family Law.

Hopefully, with 50/50, we will see a drop in GALs.  When/if we reintroducing legislation regarding GALs, you’ll be hearing a lot more on the subject.

From:  An Illinois Lawyer.  Name withheld upon request.