Rules Governing the Legal Profession and Judiciary in Illinois 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rules of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission

Article I.	General
Article II.	Investigations by the Administrator
Article III.	The Inquiry Board
Article IV.	The Hearing Board
Article V.	The Review Board
Article VI.	Reinstatement
Article VII.	Client Protection Program
Article VIII.	Ethics Inquiry Program

RULES OF THE ATTORNEY REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION

For Disciplinary Proceedings Under Illinois Supreme Court Rules 701‑777

Article I          General  

RULE 1   Preamble.  It is the policy of the Commission that disciplinary matters be handled expeditiously, with due regard to the right of the respondent to have adequate time to prepare his defense.  The courts, the public, the bar, and the respondents have a vital interest in an early determination of any charge which bears upon the fitness of an attorney to practice his profession.  The elimination of unnecessary delay was a major objective of the Court in creating the Commission and in establishing the office of Administrator.  Implementation of this objective is one of the principal purposes of the following rules.

RULE 2   Definitions.  As used in these rules :

(a)    Misconduct.  Misconduct is behavior of an attorney which violates the Illinois Code of Professional Responsibility or which tends to defeat the administration of justice or to bring the Courts or legal profession into disrepute.

(b)    Charge.  A charge is information which may constitute an allegation of misconduct by an attorney.

(c)    Chair.  The Chair is a person designated by the Commission to serve as chairperson of an Inquiry Board panel or a Hearing Board panel. 

(d)    Respondent.  A respondent is an attorney charged with misconduct or under investigation by the Administrator.

(e)    Complaining Witness.  A complaining witness is a person who makes a charge of misconduct.

(f)    Clerk.  The Clerk of the Commission is the person designated by the Administrator to receive, keep and maintain the files, pleadings, records, documents, evidence and other papers of the various panels and boards related to the work of the Commission and its Boards.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986; amended, effective April 15, 1994.)

RULE 3   Construction.  The masculine form of a word includes the feminine.  Except for proper nouns, the singular form includes the plural and the plural the singular.

 RULES 4 through 50 reserved.

Article II         Investigations by The Administrator

 RULE 51         Initiation of an Investigation.  The Administrator may initiate an investigation on his own motion based upon information from any source.

 RULE 52         Charges.  Charges received by the Administrator shall be in writing, shall identify the respondent and the person making the charge, and shall be sufficiently clear to apprise the respondent of the misconduct charged.  In his discretion, the Administrator may provide assistance at his office to persons desiring to make a charge and may furnish forms for that purpose.  The Administrator is not required to investigate any charge which does not meet the requirements of this rule, although in his discretion he may do so.

 RULE 53         Duty of Attorneys.  The Administrator may request the respondent, or any other attorney who may have knowledge of pertinent facts, to provide information, in writing, concerning the matter under investigation.  Such requests by the Administrator may be made by letter.  It shall be the duty of every attorney admitted to practice in this state to respond within 14 days to any such request from the Administrator.

 RULE 54         Closure by Administrator.  When the Administrator concludes that there is insufficient evidence to establish that the respondent has engaged in misconduct, the Administrator shall close the investigation.  The Administrator shall notify the complaining witness of his decision to close an investigation.  Closure by the Administrator shall not bar the Administrator from resuming the investigation if circumstances warrant.  The Administrator shall report to the Commission actions taken under this rule.  (Amended, effective October 21, 1988.)  

RULE 55         Reference to Inquiry Board.  When the Administrator concludes that there is sufficient evidence to establish that the respondent engaged in misconduct or the Administrator believes consideration by the Inquiry Board is warranted, the Administrator shall refer the matter to the Inquiry Board.  At the time the referral is made, the Administrator shall send notice of the referral to the respondent.  The notice shall state the date upon which the Inquiry Board is scheduled to consider the matter, shall state that a complaint may be voted, and shall include information as to how the respondent may request an appearance before the Inquiry Board.   In any matter as to which the respondent has not previously been afforded an opportunity to respond, the notice shall include information as to how a response may be submitted, and in cases where the respondent has previously been afforded an opportunity to respond, the notice shall contain information as to how the respondent can submit any additional information to be considered by the Inquiry Board.  The notice shall be sent by regular mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the respondent at the address shown on the Master Roll, or if the respondent’s name does not appear on the Master Roll, at his last known business address or residence address.  (Amended, effective Oct. 21, 1988; amended, effective May 1, 2001.)  

RULES 56 through 100 reserved  

Article III       The Inquiry Board  

RULE 101       Organization.  The Inquiry Board shall act in panels composed of two lawyers and one nonlawyer.  Two members of the panel shall constitute a quorum.  The concurrence of two members shall be necessary to a decision by the panel.  The decision of a panel shall be the decision of the Inquiry Board.  In the absence of the chair of a panel at a meeting, the members present shall designate one of the members as acting chair.  A panel may reconsider its decision to dismiss an investigation, to close an investigation or to vote a complaint prior to the filing of the complaint with the clerk of the Commission.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986; amended, effective April 15, 1994.)

 RULE 102       Function and Procedure of Inquiry Board.  The Board shall determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the filing of a complaint or petition with the Hearing Board.  The Board shall review the investigation made by the Administrator.  The Board may direct any additional investigation it deems appropriate and require the attendance of witnesses before it or one of its members.  Where the Board deems appropriate, it may allow or require the appearance of the respondent, but the Board shall not be required to allow the respondent’s appearance.  The Board shall not determine the merits of the charge or conduct adversary hearings.  The Board is not required to hear the testimony of witnesses.  The Board may determine to defer further proceedings where warranted by the circumstances as set forth in Rule 108.  (Amended, effective July 12, 1990; amended, effective May 1, 2001.)  

RULE 103       Inquiry Panel Agenda.  The Administrator shall:  (a) prepare an agenda in advance for each meeting of a panel; and (b) maintain minutes of the meeting, indicating the disposition of each investigation on the agenda, whether a complaint shall be voted, the investigation dismissed, the investigation closed, or the matter continued for further action.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986.)  

RULE 104       Prompt Disposition.  Investigations before the Board shall be disposed of promptly.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986.)  

RULE 105       Notice that Complaint May Be Voted. (Amended, effective July 25, 1986; deleted effective May 1, 2001.)  

RULE 106       Right to Counsel.  If respondent appears before a panel, or one of its members, he may be represented by counsel.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986.)  

RULE 107       Notification to Complaining Witness.  The Administrator shall notify the complaining witness of the decision of the Inquiry Board.  

RULE 108       Determination to Defer Further Proceedings

(a)    Deferral.  With the agreement of the Administrator and the attorney, the Inquiry Board may determine to defer further proceedings pending the attorney's compliance with conditions imposed by the Board for supervision of the attorney for a specified period of time not to exceed one year unless extended by the Inquiry Board prior to the conclusion of the specified period.  Proceedings may not be deferred under the provisions of this Rule if:

(1)   the conduct under investigation involves misappropriation of funds or property of a client or a third party;

(2)   the conduct under investigation involves a criminal act that reflects adversely on the attorney's honesty;

(3)   the conduct under investigation resulted in or is likely to result in actual prejudice (loss of money, legal rights or valuable property rights) to a client or other person, unless restitution is made a condition of deferral; or

(4)   the attorney has previously been disciplined or placed on supervision as provided in this Rule.

(b)    Conditions.  Such conditions shall take into consideration the nature and circumstances of the conduct under investigation by the board and the history, character and condition of the attorney.  The conditions may include, but are not limited, to the following:

(1)   periodic reports to the Administrator;

(2)   supervision of the attorney's practice or accounting procedures;

(3)   satisfactory completion of a course of study;

(4)   successful completion of the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination;

(5)   compliance with the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct;

(6)   restitution;

(7)   psychological counseling or treatment; and

(8)   abstinence from alcohol or drugs.

(c)    Affidavit.  Prior to the Inquiry Board entering its determination to defer further proceedings, the attorney shall execute an affidavit setting forth the following:

(1)   the nature of the conduct under investigation by the Inquiry Board as admitted by the attorney;

(2)   the conditions to be imposed by the Inquiry Board for supervision of the attorney;

(3)   that the attorney does not object to the conditions to be imposed;

(4)   that the attorney understands that should he fail to comply with the conditions imposed by the Inquiry Board a formal complaint may be voted and filed with the Hearing Board;

(5)   that the admissions by the attorney with respect to his or her conduct may be introduced as evidence in any further proceedings before the Hearing or Review Board; and

(6)   that the attorney joins in the Inquiry Board's determination freely and voluntarily, and understands the nature and consequences of the Board's action.

(d)    Supervision.  The Administrator shall be responsible for the supervision of the conditions imposed by the Inquiry Board.  Where appropriate, he may recommend to the Board modifications of the conditions and shall report to the Board the attorney's failure to comply with the conditions or to cooperate with the Administrator.  Upon a showing of the attorney's failure to comply with conditions, the Board may request that any deferred matters be returned to its agenda for future consideration.

(e)    Compliance.  Upon the attorney's successful compliance with the conditions imposed by the Inquiry Board, the Board shall dismiss or close the investigations pending before it at the time it determined to defer further consideration.  (Adopted July 9, 1990; amended, effective October 23, 1992.)  

RULES 109 through 200 reserved.  

Article IV        The Hearing Board  

RULE 201       Organization.  The Hearing Board shall act in panels composed of two lawyers and one nonlawyer. The Commission will designate one of the lawyer members as Chair of the panel.  Two members of the panel shall constitute a quorum.  The Administrator and the respondent may consent to a hearing before one member of the panel; however, the concurrence of two members of a panel shall be necessary to a decision. In the absence of the Chair at a hearing, the remaining lawyer member shall serve as acting chair.  The decision of the panel shall be the decision of the Hearing Board.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986; amended, effective April 15, 1994.)  

RULES 202 through 210 reserved  

RULE 211       Preparation and Form of Complaint.  A complaint voted by the Inquiry Board shall be prepared by the Administrator and captioned "In the Matter of Attorney-Respondent No. ___________."  The complainant shall be the Administrator.  The complaint shall contain a concise statement of the facts constituting the alleged misconduct.  

RULE 212       Docketing and Assignment to Panel for Hearing.  The complaint shall be filed with the Clerk.  The Clerk shall docket the complaint and shall assign the matter to a hearing panel in accordance with procedures and policies established by the Commission.  If any member of the panel is unavailable to hear the matter, the Clerk shall assign another member of the Board to serve on the panel hearing the matter.  (Amended December 11, 1992, effective March 1, 1993.)  

RULE 213 reserved

RULE 214       Service of Complaint.  The Clerk shall cause a copy of the complaint, a copy of these rules and a notice of the hearing to be served on the respondent within or without the State of Illinois as follows:

(a)    By Personal Service.  Personal service shall be made by leaving a copy with the respondent personally; or

(b)    By Mail Service.  If a person authorized to make personal service, as provided in Rule 215 below, files with the Hearing Board his affidavit that the respondent (1) resides out of the state, (2) has left the state, (3) on due inquiry cannot be found, or (4) is concealed within the state so that process cannot be served upon him, the Administrator shall serve the respondent by ordinary mail, postage fully prepaid, directed to the respondent at the address shown on the Master Roll or if he is not listed on the Master Roll at his last known business or residence address.  The Administrator's certificate of mailing is sufficient proof of service.  

RULE 215       Persons Authorized to Make Service.  Personal service may be made:

(1)   By a member of the Administrator's staff;

(2)   By the Sheriff of any county in which the respondent is found;

(3)   At the direction of the chair of the hearing panel to which a matter is assigned, by any member of the bar of this state; or

(4)   In another state, by any resident of the state who, by the laws or rules of court of that state, is authorized to serve process in disciplinary proceedings.  

RULES 216 through 230 reserved

RULE 231       Return Date.  The respondent shall answer or otherwise plead to the complaint within 21 days after personal service or within 28 days after the date of mailing when service is by mail.  Respondent shall include in a separate section in the answer the following information related to respondent’s professional background:

a.     whether respondent has ever been admitted to practice law before any other state court, federal court or administrative agency and, if so, the identity of each such court or agency; the year of each such admission; the full name under which respondent was admitted and any subsequent name changes; and any bar or registration number assigned; and

b.     whether respondent has ever received any other professional license or certificate and, if so, the identity of each such issuing entity; the year of issuance of each such license or certificate; the full name under which the license or certificate was issued to respondent and any subsequent name changes; and any certificate or registration number assigned.  (Amended effective March 31, 1995.)  

RULE 232       Pleadings Subsequent to the Complaint.  The original of each pleading subsequent to the complaint shall be filed by the pleader with the Clerk.  A copy of any pleading filed shall be served in the manner prescribed for the service of papers by the rules of the Supreme Court.  

RULE 233       Answer to be Specific.  The answer shall specifically admit or deny each allegation of the complaint.  Every allegation not specifically denied is deemed admitted unless the answer states the reason the respondent is unable to make a specific denial.  

RULE 234       Replies.  No reply shall be filed by the Administrator.  Any new matter alleged in the respondent's answer shall be deemed denied.  

RULE 235       Motions in Regard to Pleadings.  All motions in regard to pleadings shall be made in writing prior to hearing.  Rulings on motions shall be made by the chair of the panel or in a manner as the chair shall determine.  Technical objections to pleadings shall not be favored and a pleading shall not be held defective unless the alleged defect results in actual prejudice to the objecting party.  No oral arguments shall be allowed on motions.  The movant may submit written suggestions with citations of authority in support of the motion and the other party may submit counter suggestions within 7 days after receipt of the movant's suggestions.  All defects in pleadings, either in form or substance, shall be deemed waived if not objected to before hearing.  

RULE 236       Failure to Answer.  When the respondent fails to answer or otherwise plead to the complaint, as required by Rules 231 through 233, upon motion of the Administrator and notice to the respondent, all factual allegations and disciplinary charges shall be deemed admitted, and no further proof shall be required.  A respondent who has failed to answer timely or otherwise plead may seek leave of the hearing panel to vacate an order of default and file an answer upon a showing that his failure to answer or otherwise plead was a result of mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect.  At any hearing in which the allegations of the complaint have been deemed admitted, the respondent and Administrator shall be limited to presenting evidence of aggravating and mitigating factors and arguments regarding the form and amount of discipline to be imposed.  No hearing shall be conducted within twenty-eight days of the entry of an order vacating an order of default.  (Amended, effective Oct. 21, 1988)  

RULE 237       Master File.  The original of the complaint and all subsequent pleadings and other documents shall be filed with the Clerk and maintained in a master file.  

RULES 238 through 250 reserved

RULE 251       Discovery. 

(a)  Except as provided herein, discovery practice shall be in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure and the Rules of the Supreme Court.  Written interrogatories shall not be served by any party without leave of the chair of the hearing panel and upon good cause shown.  At any time after the respondent has been served, either party may request admissions of fact and genuineness of documents pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 216.  Discovery shall be filed with the clerk of the Commission, with the exception of discovery depositions and items produced pursuant to discovery requests. 

(b)  Work Product.   (1) The Administrator and the respondent shall be entitled to a work product privilege for materials prepared by their respective counsel or counsel’s agents, including employed or independently retained paralegals and investigators, in anticipation of proceedings under Supreme Court Rules 751 et seq., or for purposes of proceedings pending under those Rules. Work product includes, but is not limited to, notes and memoranda prepared by counsel or counsel’s agents of witnesses’ oral statements which are not verbatim and which have not been reviewed, altered, corrected or signed by the witness.

(2) Neither the Administrator nor the respondent shall be compelled to disclose work product in the course of discovery under these rules except upon a showing of the absolute impossibility of securing similar information from other sources. If the Chair determines that there is no possibility of the requesting party securing similar information from another source, the Chair may order the other party to produce for in camera review the work product that contains the otherwise unobtainable information with proposed redactions of mental impressions, characterizations, theories, instructions to staff that reveal investigative or litigation strategy, and litigation plans, as well as factual information otherwise obtainable. Having so ordered, the Chair shall review the work product material and the proposed redactions, and, thereafter, order disclosure of only otherwise unobtainable factual information.

(Amended, effective April 1, 1996; amended effective September 30, 2005.)

RULE 252       Diligence in Discovery.  All discovery shall be completed no later than 14 days prior to the date set for hearing.

RULES 253     Disclosure of Witnesses. 

(a) Within 28 days of service of the complaint upon respondent, the Administrator and the attorney-respondent shall file a report disclosing the name, address and telephone numbers of persons who have knowledge of facts which are the subject of the proceeding, and identifying the subject matter of their knowledge.   The Administrator and attorney-respondent have a duty to seasonably supplement or amend any prior answer or response whenever new or additional information subsequently becomes known to that party. The Administrator and attorney-respondent shall disclose to all parties of record any reports about the case received from an expert witness who will testify at hearing within a reasonable time after receipt of the report.

(b) The Hearing Board shall not allow the Administrator or the attorney-respondent to offer the testimony of any person whose identity and location is not disclosed in a report pursuant to this rule, but the Hearing Board shall not bar testimony of a witness based upon the adequacy of the disclosure of the subjects of the witness' testimony, absent a showing of substantial prejudice by the party seeking to bar the testimony. The Hearing Board shall not allow the Administrator or the attorney-respondent to offer the testimony of any expert witness who provided a report to the party calling that expert witness, if that report has not been timely disclosed to all other parties.

(Adopted, effective Apr. 24, 1987, amended, effective September 30, 2005.)

RULE 254 through 259 reserved.

RULE 260       Prehearing Conferences

(a)    Prehearing Conferences.  As soon as practicable after the filing of the complaint or petition, a member of the Hearing Board who has been designated Chair in the case shall schedule and preside over a prehearing conference. All prehearing conferences may take place at the offices of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission or by telephone, as determined by the Chair.  The respondent or petitioner, counsel for respondent or petitioner if any, and counsel for the Administrator shall personally attend all prehearing conferences unless excused by the Chair.

(b)    Objectives.  The Chair is responsible for bringing the case to a full and fair hearing in a timely and efficient manner.  In furtherance of this responsibility, the Chair shall conduct prehearing conferences to consider and take action regarding:

(1)   the formulation and simplification of the issues;

(2)   the elimination of frivolous charges or defenses;

(3)   the necessity of amendments to the pleadings;

(4)   entry into stipulations regarding undisputed evidence and obtaining prehearing rulings on the admissibility of evidence;

(5)   the identification and limitation of witnesses, including character or expert witnesses;

(6)   the possibility of discipline on consent pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 762;

(7)   the supervision of discovery, including the establishment of a date by which all discovery must be concluded;

(8)   the scheduling of the hearing; and

(9)   any other matters which may aid in the disposition of the action.

(c)    Additional Prehearings.  The Chair may hold as many prehearing conferences as deemed necessary to meet the objectives set forth above.  

(d)    Order.  For each prehearing conference, the Chair shall enter an order reciting any action taken by the Chair and reciting any agreements made by the Administrator and the respondent or petitioner and approved by the Chair.

(e)    Sanctions.  The Chair shall, in addition to any other sanctions authorized by Supreme Court Rule or Commission Rule,  make and enforce all rules and orders necessary to compel compliance with this rule.  (Amended, effective Oct. 21, 1988; amended, effective April 15, 1994; amended, effective May 1, 2001.)  

RULE 261       Substitution and Recusal of Hearing Chair and Panel Members

(a)    In General.  Substitution of the Chair of the Hearing panel assigned to a case may be requested consistent with the provisions of Section 5/2-1001 of the Code of Civil Procedure.  Parties may request substitution of Hearing panel members other than the Chair due to the involvement of the panel member, as provided in Section 5/2-1001(a)(1), or for cause, as provided in Section 5/2-1001(a)(3).  Motions for a substitution of a Chair for cause shall be heard by the Chair of the full Hearing Board or another Chair designated by him.  Motions for substitution of a panel member other than the Chair shall be heard by the Chair assigned to the case.

 (b)   After Denial of Approval to File Consent Petition.  Whenever a panel denies a motion for leave to file a petition presented pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 762(b), the members of that panel shall recuse themselves from further proceedings in the case and the case shall be assigned to a different panel of the Hearing Board.  (Effective May 1, 2001.)  

RULES 262 through 270 reserved

RULE 271 (Deleted, effective Oct. 21, 1988)  

RULE 272       Continuances.  The Chair may continue a hearing or prehearing conference at the Chair's discretion. No hearing or prehearing conference shall be continued at the request of any party except upon written motion supported by affidavit.  No hearing shall be continued at the request of a party more than once except under extraordinary circumstances.  Engagement of counsel shall not be deemed an extraordinary circumstance.  No prehearing conference shall be continued at the request of a party except for good cause. (Adopted, effective Mar. 10, 1987; amended, effective April 15, 1994.)

RULE 273       Evidence.  The admissibility of matters offered in evidence in proceedings brought pursuant to these rules shall be governed by the Code of Civil Procedure and Rules of the Supreme Court.  An affidavit or letter which attempts to establish the character or reputation of a respondent or petitioner shall not be admitted.  Evidence concerning the character or reputation of a respondent or petitioner may be limited by the hearing panel as the interest of justice requires.

RULE 274       Hearings to be Continuous.  Hearings shall continue from day to day until the taking of evidence has been completed.  Hearings may be held on Saturday.  

RULE 275       Exclusion of Witnesses.  Upon motion of either party, the hearing panel may exclude witnesses from the hearing.  (Adopted May 11, 1990, effective  June 1, 1990.)  

RULE 276       Exhibits.  Each party must appear at hearing with all documentary exhibits prepared in the following manner:

(a)    The first page of each exhibit or group exhibit shall be labeled as Administrator’s Exhibit (Adm. Ex.), Respondent’s Exhibit (Resp. Ex.), or Petitioner’s Exhibit (Pet. Ex.), with the appropriate number of the exhibit.

(b)    Any exhibit that contains more than one page shall be bound, stapled or otherwise fastened permanently, and shall have all pages of that exhibit consecutively numbered.

(c)    Prior to the start of the hearing, each party shall tender to the Chair, on a form provided by the Clerk, a table of the exhibits the party plans to offer.  A copy of the table shall be served upon opposing counsel.

(d)    At the close of evidence and before the hearing is adjourned, it shall be the duty of each party to assure that all exhibits that were admitted into evidence for that party and all exhibits that were the subject of an offer of proof by that party during the hearing have been delivered to the Chair in a form consistent with this rule. (Adopted June 30, 1995, effective immediately.)  

RULE 277       Prior Discipline.  If the hearing panel concludes that the Administrator has established that the respondent engaged in misconduct, the Chair shall enter an order directing the Administrator to file within seven days copies of any orders or opinions imposing discipline on the respondent, that are not already in evidence.  At the same time, the Administrator may file written argument not to exceed five pages in length regarding the effect to be given to the prior discipline.  Within seven days after the filing of prior disciplinary orders or opinions, the respondent may file a written argument not to exceed five pages in length regarding the effect to be given to the prior discipline.  (Adopted May 11, 1990, effective June 1, 1990.)  

RULES 278 through 280 reserved  

RULE 281       Report of the Hearing Board.  The report of the Hearing Board shall be prepared by the panel as soon as practicable after completion of the hearing.  The report shall be filed with the Clerk.  The Clerk shall serve a copy upon the respondent and the Administrator.

RULE 282       Reprimands.  The hearing panel may order that it will administer a reprimand to respondent.  The reprimand shall include a description of the respondent's misconduct and the reasons for the reprimand.

(a)    Order.  The order and the proposed reprimand shall be filed with the Clerk.  The order shall designate the time and place for the delivery of the proposed reprimand, not less than 21 days after the filing of the order.  The Clerk shall serve a copy of the order and proposed reprimand upon the respondent and the Administrator.

(b)    Exceptions.  The respondent or the Administrator may, within 21 days thereafter, file exceptions to the order with the Review Board as provided by Supreme Court Rule 753(e).  Upon the filing of exceptions, the matter shall be reviewed by the Review Board.  If no exceptions are filed, the order shall become final.

(c)    Delivery.  The hearing panel shall deliver the reprimand to the respondent orally and in writing.

(d)    Subsequent Disciplinary Proceedings.  The reprimand may be admitted into evidence in any subsequent disciplinary proceeding relating to the respondent in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 753(c)(5) and Commission Rule 277 and 314.  (Amended May 11, 1990, effective June 1, 1990.)

RULE 283       Notification to Complaining Witness.  The Administrator shall notify the complaining witness of the action taken by the Hearing Board.  

RULE 284       Post-Trial Procedures

(a)    Post‑Trial Motions.  Except as provided herein, post-trial motions shall not be filed with or considered by the Hearing Board.  A matter which might otherwise be presented by post-trial motion may be the subject of an exception filed with the Review Board.  Motions for an extension of the time within which to file exceptions to the report of the Hearing Board shall be ruled upon by the chair of the hearing panel which prepared the report.

(b)    Closing Argument.  The Hearing Board shall not allow or consider written summations, written closing argument or post-trial memoranda.  (Amended, effective July 25, 1986.)  

RULES 285 through 290 reserved  

RULE 291       Perpetuating Testimony

(a)    Petition.  The Administrator, an attorney, or any person who is or has been the subject of proceedings pursuant to these rules or the disciplinary rules of the Supreme Court may file with the Clerk a petition for an order authorizing the petitioner to take a deposition for the purpose of perpetuating testimony.  The petition shall be captioned "In the Matter of Attorney-Respondent No. ___________."  The petition shall state:  (i) the name and address of the person to be examined; (ii) the facts which the petitioner desires to establish by the proposed testimony; and (iii) the reasons for perpetuating the testimony.

(b)    Service on the Administrator.  Service on the Administrator shall be made by mailing or delivering the original and two copies of the petition to the office of the Administrator in Springfield or Chicago directed to the attention of the Clerk of the Commission.

(c)    Service on an Attorney or Other Person.  Service of the petition on an attorney or other person shall be made in the same manner provided by Rules 214 and 215 for service of a complaint.

(d)    Filing and Docketing by Clerk.  Upon receipt of the petition, the Clerk shall file and docket it.  If the matter which is the subject of the petition has been assigned to a hearing panel, the Clerk shall assign the petition to the chair of that panel.  If the matter which is the subject of the petition has not been assigned to a hearing panel, the Clerk shall assign the petition to a chair of a hearing panel in accordance with procedures and policies established by the Commission.

(e)    Order and Examination.  If the chair of the hearing panel assigned to hear the petition determines that the perpetuation of the testimony may prevent a failure or delay of justice, he shall designate or describe the persons whose depositions are to be taken specifying the subject matter of the examination and whether the depositions shall take upon oral examination or written questions and fixing the time, place and conditions of the examination.  The order shall be filed with the Clerk who shall notify the parties of the entry of the order.  (Amended December 11, 1992, effective March 1, 1993.)  

RULES 292 through 300 reserved  

Article V         The Review Board

RULE 301       Review of Hearing Board Report, Notice of Exceptions

(a)    Method of Review.  Every report of the Hearing Board is reviewable by the Review Board as of right.

(b)    Time; Filing.  Review is initiated by filing a Notice of Exceptions with the Clerk of the Commission within 21 days of service of the Hearing Board Report to the parties.  The party who files a Notice of Exceptions first shall be considered the appellant.  The appellee need not file a Notice of Exceptions to assert additional error but shall assert any such additional error within his brief.

(c)    Form and Contents of Notice of Exceptions.  The Notice of Exceptions shall bear the title and number of the matter, naming and designating the parties in the same manner as before the Hearing Board and adding the further designation "appellant" or "appellee" (e.g. respondent-appellant).  The Notice of Exceptions shall be titled as such and specify the Hearing Board Report or portion thereof excepted to and the relief sought from the Review Board, as well as the signature and address of each appellant or his or her attorney. (Amended, effective January 15, 1988; amended, effective February 2, 1994.)  

RULE 302       Briefs

(a)    Time.  Unless the Review Board orders otherwise, the brief of the appellant shall be filed with the Clerk of the Commission no later than 35 days after the date that the Notice of Exceptions is due.  Within 35 days from the due date of the appellant's brief, the appellee shall file a brief with the Clerk.  Within 14 days from the due date of the appellee's brief, the appellant may file a reply brief.  Should the appellee raise additional errors in his brief, the appellant's reply brief shall also address those errors.  The appellee may file a reply brief confined strictly to replying to the appellant's argument on the additional errors within 14 days after the due date of the appellant's reply brief.  Should the Review Board allow a brief to be filed after the date it is due, the Review Board may extend the due date of any subsequent brief as necessary.

(b)    Number of Copies and Service.  Six copies of each brief shall be filed with the Clerk of the Commission.  In addition, the party shall serve three copies upon the other party to review.  Proof of service shall be filed with all briefs.

(c)    Extensions.  The Review Board may upon the motion of a party extend the time to file a brief.  The motion must be accompanied by a supporting affidavit showing the number of previous extensions granted and the reason for each extension.  Such motions are not favored and will be allowed only in the most extreme and compelling circumstances.

(d)    Page Limitations and Format Requirements.  Unless authorized by the Review Board, the appellant's brief and the appellee's brief, excluding appendices, shall each be limited to 50 pages, and the reply brief shall be limited to 20 pages. Neither narrow margins nor any other device shall be employed to evade the page limitation. Footnotes, if any, shall be used sparingly. The text of all briefs must be double-spaced, except for headings, quotations, and footnotes. At least 12-point type must be used in the body of briefs, and at least 10-point type must be used for footnotes. A motion to authorize the filing of briefs in excess of the limitations of this rule shall be filed before the brief is due and shall state the maximum number of pages requested. Motions to allow additional pages are not favored, and the specific grounds establishing the necessity for excess pages shall be clearly set forth in an affidavit filed in support of the motion.

(e)    Cover.  The cover of each brief shall contain the number of the matter, the status of each party at the Review Board level (e.g. respondent-appellant, Administrator-appellee), the individual names and addresses of the attorneys (or of the party if he or she is appearing pro se) filing the brief, and if desired, of their law firm, shall also be stated.  The colors of the covers of the documents shall be: appellant's brief or petition, white; appellee's brief or answer, light blue; appellant's reply brief, light yellow; appellee's reply brief, light red.

(f)      Contents of Appellant's Brief.  The appellant's brief shall contain the following parts in the order named:  

(1)   A summary statement, entitled "Points and Authorities," of the points argued and the authorities cited in the Argument.  This shall consist of the headings of the points and subpoints as in the Argument, with the citation under each heading of the authorities relied upon or distinguished and a reference to the page of the brief on which each heading and each authority appear.  Cases shall be cited as near as may be in the order of their importance.

(2)   An introductory paragraph stating (i) the nature of the matter and of the recommendation appealed from, and (ii) whether any question is raised on the pleadings, and if so, the nature of the question.

(3)   A statement of the legal issue or issues presented for review, without detail or citation of authorities.

(4)   A Statement of Facts, which shall contain the facts necessary to an understanding of the case, stated accurately and fairly without argument or comment, and with appropriate reference to the pages of the record on appeal.  Exhibits may be cited by reference to pages of the record on appeal or by exhibit number followed by the page number within the exhibit.

(5)   Argument, which shall contain the contentions of the party and the reasons therefor, with citation of the authorities and the pages of the record relied on.  Evidence shall not be copied at length, but reference shall be made to the pages of the record on appeal where evidence may be found.  Citation of numerous authorities in support of the same point is not favored.  Points not argued are waived and shall not be raised in the reply brief or oral argument.

(6)   A short conclusion stating the precise relief sought, followed by the names of counsel as on the cover.

(7)   An appendix containing the Hearing Board Report, the Notice of Exceptions, and an index of the record.

(g)    Briefs of Appellee.  The brief for the appellee and other parties shall conform to the foregoing requirements, except that items (f)(2), (f)(3), (f)(4), and (f)(7) of this rule need not be included except to the extent that the presentation by the appellant is deemed unsatisfactory.

(h)   Reply Briefs.  The reply brief, if any, shall be confined strictly to replying to arguments presented in the brief of the appellee and need only contain Argument.

(i)    Nonconforming Briefs.  The Review Board may strike any brief or portion thereof that does not conform to the Rules, or take any other action authorized by precedent of the Supreme Court or Appellate Court for enforcing the requirements pertaining to the form and content of briefs, including refusing to review arguments not supported by citation to the record or legal precedent.  

(j)    Failure to File.  If the appellant fails to file a brief within the time set by this rule or any additional time which the Review Board allows, the Review Board shall strike the exceptions of that appellant and the matter shall proceed as if those exceptions had not been filed. (Amended December 1, 1995, effective immediately; amended effective May 31, 2005.)  

RULE 303 reserved  

RULE 304       Oral Arguments.

(a)    Request; Waiver; Dispensing with Oral Argument.  A party shall request oral argument by stating at the bottom of the cover page of the brief that oral argument is requested.  If any party so requests and the Review Board grants oral arguments, all other parties may argue without an additional request.  No party may argue unless a brief is filed as required by the rules.  A party who has requested and been granted oral argument and who thereafter determines to waive oral argument shall promptly notify the Clerk of the Commission and the other party in writing no later than fourteen days before the date of the argument.  Any party who has filed a brief without requesting oral argument may then request oral argument upon prompt notice to the Clerk and all other parties.

 In determining whether to allow or require oral argument, the Review Board may consider whether oral argument would be necessary for consideration of the issues presented for review.

When oral argument is not requested, the matter shall be decided on the briefs unless the Review Board orders oral argument.

(b)    Length.  Unless the Review Board otherwise orders, each side shall argue for not more than 20 minutes, with an additional  ten minutes rebuttal for the party with the right to close. The Review Board may grant additional time on motion filed with the Clerk of the Commission in advance of the date fixed for argument if it appears that additional time is necessary for the adequate presentation of the case.   A party is not obliged to use all of the time allowed, and the Review Board may terminate the argument whenever in its judgment further argument is unnecessary.

(c)    Reading Prohibited.  Reading at length from the record, briefs, or authorities cited will not be permitted.

(d)    Sequence and Manner of Calling Matters for Oral Argument.  Matters shall be called for argument in accordance with procedures and policies established by the Commission. (Amended, effective February 2, 1994.)  

RULES 305 through 310 reserved  

RULE 311       Review Board Report.  The report of the Review Board shall address the issues raised by the parties and need not address any portion of the Hearing Board report with which the parties have not taken issue.  The Review Board report may consist of the adoption of the Hearing Board report.  Unanimous reports shall be submitted in the name of the Review Board Panel.  When there is a divided vote, the members constituting the majority and the member dissenting or concurring in part shall be named.