This was practically a one word post. The response is no. However I have actually heard stories of this taking place so typically in the in 2015 that I believed it deserved broadening on.
When you employ an attorney (or medical professional, psychologist, most likely realty representative, numerous other occupations) to represent you in a case, there is a natural power imbalance. You may be drawn in to them. You may like them. You may wish to make love with them or date them. That does not alter the truth that the relationship is imbalanced.
Illinois lawyer ethical guidelines are clear that an attorney can not have any romantic encounters with a customer. In truth, if you are representing a customer and start to feel romantic towards them, if you wish to date them you need to end the attorney/client relationship prior to that can occur.
We were associated with one case where the customer was drawn in to her attorney and started a sexual relationship with him. After a while she felt that he was controling her into sex with concerns connected to her case and individual things that he learnt about her. Ultimately she felt she could not state no due to the fact that she ran out cash to employ an attorney and she was stressed he ‘d drop her if she turned him down.
In numerous circumstances the sex is happening in the attorney’s workplace. That’s a sure indication that they understand what they are doing is incorrect. And even if it’s a more appropriate location, I guarantee you that the attorney understands what they are doing is incorrect.
If this taken place to you, there are 2 things you must do:
- Submit a grievance with the Lawyer Registration and Disciplinary Commission, iardc.org which is the disciplinary body for legal representatives. If your lawyer does this they must lose their license to practice law.
- Call us or another law office to submit a claim versus the lawyer. There action is a variation of sexual attack. It would not be a surprise to see a claim lead to a settlement or decision in the 6 or 7 figures depending upon the case truths.
If this taken place to you, we would enjoy to talk with you about if totally free and in self-confidence. There is never ever a charge on these cases unless we achieve success. Please keep in mind that there are time frame for filing fit, so time is of the essence. If you want to talk to a knowledgeable Illinois lawyer, please call us at 312-346-5320.