On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Supreme Court of Illinois suspended attorney Richard P. Broderick from practicing law for five months.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Richard P. Broderick,” with case no. 2022PR00053.
Broderick’s suspension stems from misconduct that occurred in a probate case involving his mother’s estate. Specifically, he was found to have fabricated medical records to falsely claim he was hospitalized. Broderick also made a false statement to the court regarding this hospitalization.
The disciplinary proceedings against Broderick began last year. On August 15, 2023, the Review Board found Broderick guilty of violating certain Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct relating to dishonesty, fabrication of evidence, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. They initially recommended a one-year suspension but Broderick appealed seeking a reduced sanction.
After considering mitigating factors such as Broderick’s health issues and divorce proceedings occurring at the time, the Review Board concluded a five-month suspension was an appropriate measure that balanced the misconduct with precedent. This recommendation was then approved by the Supreme Court in their January 2024 order.
As part of his suspension, Broderick must reimburse any payments made to clients from the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission’s Client Protection Program due to his conduct.
The Disposition states:
“Motion by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to approve and confirm the report and recommendation of the Review Board. Allowed. Respondent Richard P. Broderick is suspended from the practice of law for five (5) months.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Broderick is a divorce and separation attorney in Wilmette, Illinois. He attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, graduating in 1994. He acquired his law license in Illinois in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
