How to verify an attorney’s credentials

A Woodridge man’s indictment on charges he impersonated an attorney comes about a month after a disbarred Burbank attorney was sentenced to three years in prison for representing clients in Will and DuPage courts while posing as a lawyer who was no longer registered to practice.

James Grogan, spokesman for the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission, said the crime of impersonating lawyers appears to be a trend, with five or six recent cases in Illinois.

“It’s kind of unique,” he said. “Once in a while you’ll see some allegations of unauthorized practice filed against lawyers who’ve been removed from the master roll because they haven’t registered or complied with continuing legal education requirements, but that doesn’t appear to be the case here. I don’t know if it’s the luck of the draw, so to speak, or something to do with the economy.”

Grogan encouraged the public to verify attorney credentials by visiting iardc.org, or calling (800) 826-8625. Clients also can consult their local bar associations, he said.

“Especially in larger, urban areas, where there are more lawyers,” Grogan said, “it’s important people take the time to check the bonafide-ism of individuals representing themselves as attorneys.”