On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recommended a six-month suspension for attorney Norma Frances Miner. The decision followed a default proceeding held via videoconference on April 22, 2025.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Norma Frances Miner,” with case no. 2024PR00075.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the ARDC Administrator on December 11, 2024, accusing Miner of professional misconduct involving a client’s retainer fee. According to the complaint, in October and November 2023, Miner received payments totaling $2,450 from a client, B.T., for legal services in a family law matter. The payments included a $1,250 check on October 26, 2023, and two $600 checks on November 14 and 17, 2023.
The complaint alleged that Miner failed to deposit these funds into a separate client trust account, instead cashing the checks and using the money for personal purposes without the client’s authorization. Additionally, Miner did not perform any legal work on B.T.’s case before November 17, 2023, and has not refunded the $2,450 as of the complaint’s filing date.
The Hearing Board found that Miner’s actions violated several Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. These included rules requiring lawyers to hold client funds separately, to refund unearned fees, and to avoid conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The panel determined that Miner’s conversion of the client’s funds for her own use constituted a breach of these rules.
Miner, who has no prior disciplinary record, participated in pre-hearing conferences on January 24 and February 14, 2025, but failed to file an appearance or answer to the complaint despite being granted additional time. On February 14, 2025, the Hearing Board granted the Administrator’s motion to deem the complaint’s allegations admitted due to Miner’s lack of response. During the April 22 hearing, Miner participated by telephone and requested no suspension, while the Administrator sought a six-month suspension and a requirement for Miner to demonstrate her fitness to practice law before reinstatement.
The panel noted several aggravating factors in their decision. Miner repeatedly denied receiving the complaint or being aware of the proceedings, despite evidence showing she accepted service via email on December 12, 2024, and received another the complaint or being aware of the proceedings, despite evidence showing she accepted service via email on December 12, 2024, and received another copy on January 24, 2025. The board found her claims of ignorance lacked credibility, pointing to a pattern of dishonesty. Additionally, Miner’s failure to cooperate fully, including attempting to introduce evidence after being instructed not to, was cited as further justification for the recommended discipline.
The Hearing Board’s report recommends that Miner be suspended for six months and until further order of the court, requiring her to comply with Supreme Court Rule 767 to prove her fitness to resume practicing law. The decision awaits final action by the Illinois Supreme Court.
According to Avvo.com, Ms. Miner is a divorce and separation attorney in Marion, Illinois. She acquired her law license in Illinois in 1982.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
