On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois granted attorney Cyril William Butts Jr.’s motion to strike his name from the roll of attorneys licensed to practice law in the state.
The case is entitled “In the Cyril William Butts, Jr.”. with case number M.R.032332.
Butts filed a motion on July 18, 2024, requesting to have his name removed from the attorney registry pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 762(a).
The motion came as the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Lea S. Gutierrez, had filed a three-count complaint alleging misconduct by Butts before the ARDC Hearing Board.
The complaint accused Butts of converting $14,245 in client funds from the Estate of E.G., where he served as the independent administrator. It also claimed he failed to communicate with clients about the status of their legal matters and failed to return unearned fees totaling more than $6,000 in two separate cases.
In an affidavit filed with his motion, Butts admitted that if the allegations proceeded to a hearing, the evidence presented by the Administrator would clearly and convincingly establish the facts and conclusions of misconduct as described. He asserted that the motion was made freely and voluntarily with an understanding of its nature and consequences.
On September 20th, the Illinois Supreme Court issued an order allowing Butts’ motion.
The order brings an end to disciplinary proceedings against Butts, which included claims he mishandled estate funds, failed to properly communicate with clients, and kept unearned fees. It also means Butts is no longer authorized to practice law in Illinois.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Butts Jr. is an attorney in Galesburg, Illinois. He attended the Saint Louis University School of Law. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1979.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
