On Monday, December 19, 2022, the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission issued its report and recommendation suspending Wilmette attorney Richard P. Broderick for misrepresentation to a tribunal and falsification of medical records.

The case, titled In the Matter of Richard P. Broderick, was brought by the Administrator. Case #2022PR00053.

The charges cited rules of professional conduct Rules 3.3(a)(1), 8.4(c), and 8.4(d) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct.

The following are as alleged and summarized from the Complaint:

Broderick allegedly engaged in misconduct during his representation involving his mother’s estate in a probate matter where he falsely told the Court that he had been unable to file a motion to reconsider as he had been admitted to the hospital, but the tr Thereafter the Court ordered Broderick to provide hospitalization proof, Broderick then altered the dates on the medical records and submitted the falsified records to the Court.

The Administrator requested that this matter be assigned to a panel of the hearing board, that a hearing be held, and that the panel makes findings of fact, conclusions of fact and law, and recommendations for such discipline as is warranted.

The Report and Recommendation of the Hearing Board state:

‘The hearing in this matter was held by videoconference on November 21, 2022, before a Hearing Board Panel. . . Respondent appeared and represented himself. The Administrator recommended that Respondent be suspended for one year and until further order of the Court.’

The Report and Recommendation continue:

‘The Panel has considered in aggravation that Respondent acted with a deceptive motive and engaged in a pattern of dishonest conduct. In addition, his participation in this proceeding was sporadic. We further consider that, although, Respondent participated in the disciplinary hearing, his presentation left us with concerns about his ability to practice competently. Specifically, he testified that he has been diagnosed with mental health issues for which has not received consistent treatment in recent months. For the foregoing reasons, our responsibility to protect the public and the profession necessitates a recommendation that Respondent be suspended until further order of the Court.’

The Report and Recommendation additionally note:

‘We do not consider Respondent’s mental health issues as a mitigating factor, because there was no evidence of a causal connection between those issues and the misconduct. We have considered in mitigation that Respondent is a veteran and has no prior discipline. However, those factors do not lead us to recommend a different sanction.’

Based on the foregoing facts and discussions, the Hearing Board ruled against Broderick in relation to his violations of the above-cited rules of professional conduct and recommended the same discipline as that recommended by the Administrator.

As of today, Mr. Broderick practices in Wilmette, Illinois where he maintains his law firm, The Law Office of Richard Broderick. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has been licensed in Illinois, license no. 6221017.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.