Attorney Gregory Oltman is facing allegations of professional misconduct before the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) due to his handling of subrogation cases. The ARDC Administrator filed a complaint on September 7, 2023, outlining various violations attributed to Oltman.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Gregory Oltman,” with case no. 2023PR00058.
Between June 15, 2020, and December 18, 2020, Oltman allegedly committed a series of financial missteps that resulted in the misappropriation of settlement proceeds meant for Wilber on behalf of the Auto Club Insurance Association. Despite being entrusted with these funds, Oltman withdrew a substantial portion, leaving the account with a mere $176.75 instead of the mandated $11,873.25. This blatant disregard for fiduciary responsibility violated Rule 1.15(a) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, which mandates the safeguarding of client funds.
Even more concerning was Oltman’s willful knowledge that he was diverting funds meant for Wilber and Auto Club Insurance Association for personal and business purposes. Such conduct constituted a conversion of funds, demonstrating a clear departure from ethical practice.
The complaint states:
“By using the $5,332.81 of the settlement proceeds owed to Wilber on behalf of Iowa Mutual Insurance Company for his own personal or business purposes without authorization from Wilber or Iowa Mutual Insurance Company, Respondent engaged in the conversion of those funds,”
Furthermore, Oltman’s lack of diligence and communication was evident in subsequent cases. In the matter referred by Wilber on behalf of The Cincinnati Insurance Company, Oltman failed to appear at a crucial hearing, leading to the dismissal of the case. His failure to inform Wilber and The Cincinnati Insurance Company about this development violated Rule 1.4(a)(3) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, which emphasizes keeping clients informed about the status of their cases.
A similar pattern emerged with the case referred by Spartan on behalf of Root Insurance Company. Oltman repeatedly neglected to respond to Spartan’s requests for updates, ultimately resulting in the dismissal of the case.
The complaint continues:
“On June 20, 2022, Spartan emailed Respondent, on behalf of Root Insurance Company, requesting a status update on whether the defendant had been served. At no time did Respondent respond to Spartan’s June 20, 2022, email.”
In light of these serious transgressions, it is imperative that the appropriate disciplinary action is taken. Oltman’s actions, as per the complaint, not only jeopardized the trust of his clients but also undermined the integrity of the legal profession.
The request 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, conclusions of fact and law, and a recommendation for such discipline as is warranted.”
According to avvo.com, Mr. Oltman is a general practice attorney in Bloomington, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1986.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
