Deerfield Attorney Suspended for Unauthorized Practice

The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) released a report Friday listing 22 attorneys from across the state that the Illinois Supreme Court has disciplined for professional misconduct for violating state ethics law.

Deerfield attorney Grant Richard Niehus, of 1550 Stratford Rd., was licensed in 1980. He was suspended for a period of 90 days. He engaged in the unauthorized practice of law after his name was removed from the Master Roll of Attorneys for failing to complete his minimum continuing legal education and not registering to practice as required by Supreme Court rule. While removed from the Master Roll, he handled at least twelve different legal matters for clients. The suspension is effective on February 11, 2016, according to the ARDC report.

Niehus received a B.S. degree from the University of Illinois and and a JD (Juris Doctor) degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, according the www.lawyers.com.

The ARDC list of disciplined attorneys also includes:

Ron L. Richards, of 103 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite B21, Lake Villa, was licensed in 2005. Richards was suspended for eighteen months and until further order of the Court. He neglected two separate client matters, misappropriated $446 in client funds, and failed to cooperate with the ARDC. He did not appear at his own disciplinary hearing.

Joel Clark Runkle, of 646 Lincoln Ave., Grayslake, was licensed in 1992. Runkle was suspended for six months and until further order of the Court and until he makes certain restitution. He neglected a client’s real estate matter and he failed to keep that client reasonably informed about the status of her matter.

The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), an Illinois Supreme Court agency, investigates alleged wrongdoing by Illinois attorneys, holds hearings on specific charges, and recommends discipline where warranted. The Supreme Court is, however, the only authority that can discipline lawyers for misconduct.

The Supreme Court generally announces lawyer sanction orders during each formal term of Court. The Court convenes in term every January, March, May, September and November.