State Supreme Court disciplines several suburban attorneys
A Glen Ellyn attorney who concocted a scheme with his wife to steal money from immigrants seeking to legalize their status is among several suburban attorneys recently disciplined or disbarred by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Constantine Peter Kallas, a 20-year attorney from Glen Ellyn, was disbarred, according to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, which investigates such cases.
While serving as an assistant chief counsel at the office of the principal legal adviser for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service, Kallas and his wife charged immigrants between $10,000 and $20,000 for submitting false documentation to federal authorities to obtain the desired immigration status, records show. Officials said the couple collected at least $950,000 through this scheme.
Kallas was found guilty in federal court in California of money laundering and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to almost 18 years in prison. He was suspended from practicing law on an interim basis in Illinois on July 27, 2011.
Misused client funds
Naperville attorney John Peiss, who practiced at 2272 95th St., was also disbarred after 23 years as a licensed attorney.
According to the commission, Peiss represented two clients while he was suspended from practicing law for misusing client money. He also misappropriated $3,739.50 in client funds. In addition, he failed to cooperate and participate fully in his disciplinary proceedings.
Probational offense
Andrew Thomas Freund, a 21-year licensed attorney, had has license suspended for two years, but after 90 days he can seek a two-year period of probation.
While representing his client in a divorce case, Freund was convicted of indirect criminal contempt after a judge found that he had violated court orders, the commission said. Freund also appeared in court on behalf of a client after he had been removed from the commission's Master Roll of Attorneys due to his failure to register or complete his mandatory continuing legal education requirements. His suspension is effective on Oct. 13.
False representation
Buffalo Grove attorney Charisse Angela Bruno, who practiced at 1169 Devonshire Road, was disbarred.
Bruno continued to represent a client in a divorce case, despite having her license previously suspended for professional misconduct. She then failed to cooperate with the commission's investigation into her post-suspension activities, the commission said.
Divorce neglected
Kaci Holguin, practicing at 551 W. Roosevelt Rd., had her license suspended for six months and until further order of the court. Her suspension, however, will be stayed pending the successful completion of a one-year period of probation.
In 2011, Holguin neglected a client's divorce matter, resulting in the case being dismissed for want of prosecution. She also failed to refund an unearned fee to the same client. Further, the commission said, she represented six different clients after she had been removed from the commission's master list of practicing attorneys.