Carpentersville man a no-show in attorney case

The Kane County Bar Association has succeeded in getting a temporary restraining order against a Carpentersville man who the bar association has accused of practicing law without a license.

Judge Robert Mueller issued the order against Robert Sperlazzo in response to a lawsuit filed by the bar association.

Sperlazzo is accused of acting as an attorney last December while advising two men going through foreclosures while they were at the Recorder's Office.

According to the bar association's complaint, Sperlazzo was advising two men on Dec. 1 about a “land patent process” on how to keep their property even if they were in foreclosure.

The complaint states that Sperlazzo took payment in cash and told the men to avoid the court system and not to talk to other attorneys because it would ruin the process.

Sperlazzo has not returned phone calls from the Daily Herald.

He was due in court last week but was a no-show.

Patrick Kinnally, an Aurora attorney and bar association president, said he knows Sperlazzo has at least been served with the lawsuit, but Sperlazzo is pushing to have the suit thrown out this coming week.

“He's never come to court,” Kinnally said. “He hasn't shown up yet.”

Both sides are due in Kane County court again Friday.

Kinnally said he believes instances in which non-attorneys give out legal advice is happening with more frequency with respect to foreclosure cases.

People in foreclosure are losing their property because they can't pay their bills and in turn would be hard-pressed to hire a lawyer.

“People, when they are in a situation, sometimes get desperate instead of hiring an attorney they can't afford,” Kinnally said.

Blood drive plannedThe Kane County Bar Association will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, May 16 in the lower level multipurpose room of the Kane County Judicial Center, 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles.A picture ID is required, and reservations are recommended but walk-ins are also welcome. Donors will receive $11 in coupons and certificates that can be used at any suburban Oberweis location. For more information or to reserve a time, call (630) 762-1915.Ask A Lawyer DayThe Kane County Bar Association will host its next #8220;As A Lawyer Day#8221; Saturday, May 14.People in need of free legal advice can call (630) 762-1900 between 9 a.m. and noon to speak to an attorney. For more information, visit kanecountybar.org. hhitzeman@dailyherald.com