You might be wondering whether you really need a lawyer for your matter. You are a lawyer or a law graduate. You are smart. You can probably represent yourself. But, before you decide to represent yourself, ask yourself the following questions:
(1) Will I have the time to represent myself while I am representing my clients?
(2) How well do I understand the disciplinary process? Or the Character & Fitness process?
(3) Can I objectively evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the claims against me?
If you feel comfortable with your answers to these questions, then representing yourself might be the right decision for you. Hopefully, you will also be able to manage the emotional stress created by the threat to your career and livelihood.
If on the other hand, you want to work with a lawyer that will guide you through the process; who will provide a candid assessment of your matter; and who will help you manage the stress, you should probably consider hiring a lawyer to help you.
Legal Ethics Consulting, P.C. has the experience that you need. The Principal, Allison L. Wood has 7 years experience as a Hearing Board Chair with the ARDC; and 5 years as Litigation Counsel with the ARDC. She has been assisting lawyers and law graduates since 2011. Given her collective 15 years plus working with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Ms. Wood provides ethics expert testimony in legal malpractice cases. (Lawyers seeking to learn more about expert testimony services should go to that tab in the website).
Ms. Wood is a good listener and a compassionate counselor who understands the stress you are going through with your matter. You will also benefit from her extensive trial experience. She is a seasoned trial attorney who can provide you with strategic and competent representation at your Character & Fitness or ARDC Hearing. Ms. Wood began her career as an Assistant Public Defender representing indigent clients where she tried countless bench trials and jury trials. She was a litigation counsel at a public utility where she tried hundreds of case before administrative boards. Ms. Wood was a Partner at two boutique law firms in Chicago, where she defended corporate clients in commercial and employment cases.
Finally, Ms. Wood has a demonstrated record of service to the legal profession. She has served as an adjunct professor and lecturer at local law schools for more than twenty years. She has taught professional responsibility courses. She is a Certified MCLE Provider and a frequent ethics MCLE presenter at law firms and bar associations. She writes an ethics column in The Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, WoodWiseEthics. She is a former member of the Illinois Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Professional Conduct; and the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Lawyers’ Professional Liability. She is a current member of the Chicago Bar Association Board of Managers; and the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct. She is a long time supporter and volunteer for the Lawyer’s Assistance Program; and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
Ms. Wood welcomes the opportunity to assist you with your ARDC or Character & Fitness matter. Email her at aw@legalethicsconsulting.com or call (312) 753-6951 to schedule a consultation.