ARDC: Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois

ARDC: Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois

The ARDC, established in 1973, is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court of Illinois, with a primary function of regulating the legal profession. It facilitates attorney registration, education, investigation, prosecution, and remedial action. The organization compiles and provides access to a list of authorized lawyers, ensuring transparency for the public, legal professionals, and courts to verify lawyers' credentials and contact details.

Moreover, the ARDC focuses on educating lawyers through seminars and publications, guiding them to operate professionally within the rules of professional conduct. It offers confidential ethics inquiry services and handles discipline matters fairly and transparently, preserving the rights of all parties involved.

The ARDC's approach to discipline includes confidential grievance investigations and public adjudication of disciplinary prosecutions. Recommendations are made to the Court for the final disposition of cases, with the involvement of independent and diverse groups of volunteer lawyers and non-lawyers. Additionally, the organization advocates for restitution and other remedial actions, striving to provide reimbursements through its Client Protection Program for those affected by dishonest conduct.

Overall, the ARDC plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the legal profession in United States, ensuring accountability and ethical conduct among lawyers while advocating for the protection of the public and the profession.