On Friday, August 29, 2025, the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a formal complaint against attorney Ethan G. Zelizer, alleging multiple violations of professional ethics. The complaint outlines accusations that Zelizer engaged in misconduct that could lead to disciplinary action under the Illinois Supreme Court Rules.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Ethan G. Zelizer,” with case no. 2025PR00055.
Zelizer is facing three primary counts of misconduct. Count I addresses Zelizer’s alleged failure to hold client funds separate from his own property. Operating as a solo practitioner through HR Law Counsel LLC, he maintained an operating account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. Still, he did not establish a required IOLTA account for client funds. Beginning in January 2024, Zelizer represented a client identified as J.J. in an employment discrimination case against Home Depot. Following a settlement agreement, Home Depot issued checks totaling $13,572.37, which Zelizer deposited into his operating account instead of a designated client trust account. This action resulted in J.J.’s settlement funds being commingled with Zelizer’s personal finances.
The complaint further alleges that Zelizer represented another client, M.B., in a similar employment discrimination claim against Windy City Rampage Football Club. After M.B. entered a settlement agreement, Zelizer deposited the check for her settlement proceeds into his operating account, again failing to maintain the necessary separation of funds. Additionally, the complaint states that Zelizer did not prepare or maintain the required records for a client trust account, as mandated by Illinois professional conduct rules.
Count II charges Zelizer with dishonesty regarding a $60,000 overpayment from a client, L.K. In connection with a settlement with NuEra East Peoria, an error led to NuEra issuing a check for $66,666.66, which was $60,000 beyond what was agreed. After depositing the check into his operating account, Zelizer allegedly misappropriated the overpayment for personal and business expenses. When NuEra’s Chief Financial Officer requested the return of the excess funds, Zelizer falsely claimed that his operating account had been frozen due to a bank investigation, despite knowing the account was accessible.
Count III addresses Zelizer’s failure to comply with court orders, lack of diligence, and unauthorized practice of law in the Southern District of Illinois. Although he was admitted to practice in that court pro hac vice in 2009, Zelizer did not seek general admission thereafter. In June 2023, he represented clients in a lawsuit filed in that jurisdiction, despite being unlicensed to do so. The complaint indicates that Zelizer ignored multiple court orders requiring him to file necessary documents and failed to appear at scheduled hearings. This led to the court holding him in contempt for not adhering to its directives.
Each count in the complaint raises serious concerns regarding Zelizer’s adherence to the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly regarding the handling of client funds, communication honesty, and compliance with court procedures.
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. Zelizer is an employment and labor attorney in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law, graduating in 2003. He acquired his law license in Illinois in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
