On Thursday, May 18, 2023, the Supreme Court of Illinois ordered that attorney Howard Randolph Baker must remain on disciplinary probation for another six months until he pays back the commission for the cost of the disciplinary proceeding. The court had imposed the probation on him by an order dated May 18, 2021.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Howard Randolph Baker, Jr.” with case no. 030704.
Attorney Howard Randolph Baker Jr. finds himself as the subject of an order by the Supreme Court of Illinois as the administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) has filed a report to the former, stating the respondent’s failure to reimburse the commission for the costs incurred during his disciplinary proceeding. As a consequence, the court has requested an extension of attorney Baker’s disciplinary probation until he reimburses the commission for the said costs.
The ARDC, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, filed the report highlighting the respondent’s non-compliance with the conditions of his disciplinary probation. The probation, imposed by order of the court on May 18, 2021, included a requirement for the respondent to reimburse the commission for the expenses associated with his disciplinary proceeding, as defined in Supreme Court Rule 773.
However, with Baker’s failure to fulfill this obligation, the ARDC approached the court seeking an extension of his disciplinary probation for a period of six months. The extension will remain in effect until Attorney Baker reimburses the commission and is subject to further orders from the Court.
The court, being fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the case, has decided to continue the disciplinary probation for Baker. This decision not only extends the probationary period for an additional six months but also stipulates that the respondent must reimburse the commission for the costs incurred during his disciplinary proceeding, as defined in Supreme Court Rule 773.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Baker will rectify the situation promptly, fulfill his financial obligations to the commission, and potentially salvage his professional standing.
The Order states:
“The disciplinary probation imposed on respondent Howard Randolph Baker, Jr. by disciplinary order of May 18, 2021, subject to conditions, including that respondent reimburse the Commission for the costs of his disciplinary proceeding as defined in Supreme Court Rule 773, is continued for six (6) months and until respondent reimburses the Commission for the costs of his disciplinary proceeding as defined in Supreme Court Rule 773, and until further order of this Court.”
Mr. Baker practices in Bloomington, Illinois. He is licensed in Illinois. His info can be found on avvo.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
