On Wednesday, November 23, 2022, the Supreme Court of Illinois denied Chicago attorney Barbara Ann Susman’s petition for leave to file exceptions to the report and recommendation of the Review Board suspending her from the practice of law.
The case, titled In Re: Barbara Ann Susman, was brought by the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Commission No. 2018PR00080.
The Review Board Report and Recommendation as summarized goes:
The Administrator, in its four-count amended complaint, charged Susman of failing to act diligently and failing to properly communicate with her clients in three immigration matters, failing to return unearned fees in one of the matters, failing to respond to the Administrator’s requests for information, and prejudicing the administration of justice, in violation of Rules of Professional Conduct.
The Hearing Board found that Susman had engaged in the misconduct charged in three of the four counts of the amended complaint. The Hearing Board recommended a five-month suspension, with the suspension stayed in its entirety by a one-year period of probation, with conditions focused on office management.
Respondent appealed and challenged the Hearing Board’s findings of misconduct, and requested for the dismissal of the case, with no sanction being imposed.
The Review Board affirmed the Hearing Board’s findings of facts and discipline recommended.
In view of the foregoing facts and discussions, the Court ruled against Susman and denied her application.
The disposition reads:
“Petition by respondent Barbara Ann Susman for leave to file exceptions to the report and recommendation of the Review Board. Denied. Respondent Barbara Ann Susman is suspended from the practice of law for five (5) months, with the suspension stayed in its entirety by a one (1) year period of probation, . . . “
The conditions of the probation are set forth in the Review Board Report and Recommendation which include among others, Susman to successfully complete the ARDC Professionalism Seminar within the first six months of probation, and to enroll and successfully complete a law office management program acceptable to the Administrator.
Ms. Susman earned her Juris Doctor degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, graduating in 1983. Prior to this suspension, Susman practiced in Greater Chicago Area, Illinois. She has been licensed in Illinois, license #6186506. Her info can be found on LinkedIn.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
