On Thursday, November 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois suspended attorney Leroy U. Ekechukwu from practicing law for eighteen months, effective December 10, 2024. The suspension will be stayed after five months, during which Ekechukwu will be placed on a two-year probationary period with specific conditions that must be met.
The case is entitled “In the Matter Leroy U. Ekechukwu,” with case no. M.R.032409.
The ruling follows a petition filed by the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) under Supreme Court Rule 762(b), which allows for disciplinary action upon mutual consent. The court found that Ekechukwu had engaged in serious misconduct, including failing to act with reasonable diligence in representing a client, making false statements, and attempting to settle a potential malpractice claim without proper legal advice for the affected parties.
Ekechukwu, who was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2016, had represented a client in a domestic relations case but neglected to take necessary actions on the client’s behalf. He also provided misleading information regarding the status of the case, including fabricating a court order related to wage garnishments. By the time he acknowledged his lack of action, Ekechukwu had failed to honor a proposed agreement to return fees to the client.
The court’s order includes several conditions for Ekechukwu during his probation. He will be required to comply with the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, cooperate with ongoing investigations, and reimburse the Commission for costs related to the disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, he must abstain from alcohol and unprescribed controlled substances, report any lapses in sobriety, and continue treatment with a mental health professional.
Ekechukwu must also establish a relationship with a monitoring attorney to ensure proper law office management practices and participate in a law office management program. This includes implementing systems for maintaining accurate records, handling client funds, and providing timely communication to clients regarding their legal matters.
Failure to comply with any of the probation terms could result in the revocation of probation, leading to the enforcement of the remaining suspension period. The court’s decision reflects a structured approach to rehabilitate Ekechukwu’s practice while ensuring accountability in his professional conduct.
The Disposition states:
“Petition by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to impose discipline on consent pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 762(b). Allowed. Respondent Leroy U. Ekechukwu is suspended from the practice of law for eighteen (18) months and until further order of the Court, with the suspension stayed after five (5) months by a two (2) year period of probation subject to the following conditions which are to be satisfied prior to the termination of probation, with conditions (a) through (q) to commence upon the effective date of the Court’s order.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Ekechukwu is a lawyer in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois College of Law.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
