On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a complaint against Attorney Michael John Blattner. The complaint alleges that Blattner engaged in unauthorized legal practice after being removed from the roll of attorneys for failing to meet continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Michael John Blattner,” with case no. 2025PR00036.
According to the complaint, Illinois Supreme Court Rule 794 mandates that attorneys complete 30 hours of CLE every two years. For attorneys like Blattner, whose last names begin with the letter “B,” the reporting period spanned from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024. Eligible attorneys could secure a grace period extension until October 30, 2024, by submitting information online and paying a $100 fee to the Minimum Continuing Legal Education Board.
On June 25, 2024, Blattner paid the fee to obtain this extension. Despite his familiarity with the registration process, having complied since 2005, Blattner failed to complete the required CLE hours by the extended deadline.
On December 1, 2024, the MCLE Board notified Blattner of his removal from the roll of attorneys due to noncompliance with CLE requirements. The Administrator subsequently removed his name from the list of attorneys authorized to practice law in Illinois. The complaint states that Blattner had actual knowledge of his removal and was aware he was not permitted to provide legal services.
Despite this, Blattner allegedly represented clients in at least nine probate law matters after December 1, 2024. The complaint details specific instances, including court appearances and the drafting of court orders on behalf of clients. For example, Blattner appeared in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Probate Division, for the Estate of Y.M. on January 8, 2025, and for the Estate of F.D.D. on January 14, February 21, and March 24, 2025. The complaint further alleges that between December 1, 2024, and May 7, 2025, Blattner neither completed the required CLE hours nor was restored to the roll of attorneys.
Additionally, Blattner is accused of failing to inform his clients, opposing counsel, and presiding judges of his unauthorized status during this period. By continuing to appear in court and file documents, he allegedly misrepresented himself as an authorized attorney.
The complaint cites violations of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, including practicing law in violation of regulatory requirements (Rule 5.5(a)), engaging in conduct involving dishonesty or misrepresentation (Rule 8.4(c)), and actions prejudicial to the administration of justice (Rule 8.4(d)).
The complaint states:
“WHEREFORE, the Administrator respectfully requests that this matter be assigned to a panel of the Hearing Board, that a hearing be held, and that the panel make findings of fact and law, and a recommendation for such discipline as is warranted.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Blattner is a tax attorney in Chicago, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1995.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
