► Attorney Michelle Berkel of Wood River, IL; repeat offender Print E-mail
User Rating: / 2
PoorBest 

Attorney Michelle Berkel of Wood River, IL; repeat offender

 
The state of Illinois presented Michelle Lynne Berkel with a law license in 1978.
 
The Disciplinary Commission found Michelle guilty of misconduct on at least two occasions.
 
Michelle’s 1st bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree

 
Michelle’s misconduct came about while she worked as an assistant State’s Attorney in Madison County, Illinois. During her employ, Michelle tried to gather information for her close friend, Cynthia Palermo, relating to the assets of her husband Timothy for use in a possible divorce proceeding.
 
Michelle sent a letter on State’s Attorney letterhead to the Secretary of State asking whether Timothy was publicly listed as an officer or agent for any registered business entities. In her letter, she falsely stated that the State’s Attorney’s office was investigating Timothy. Michelle also called the Madison County Recorder’s office and requested a search of their records relating to Timothy without disclosing that her request was not related to her official duties. The commission ruled Michelle guilty of the following:
  1. Engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice
  2. Engaged in conduct tending to bring the courts/legal profession into disrepute
  3. Engaged in conduct involving fraud, deceit, dishonesty or misrepresentation
  4. Made a false statement re: a material fact
As a consequence of his misconduct, the enablers for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Illinois Supreme Court punished Michelle by gifting her with a complimentary reprimand.
 
Michelle’s 2nd bite at the Attorney Misfit Apple Tree 

 
  1. Failed to act with reasonable diligence (slacker)
  2. Failed to keep client reasonably informed as to status of legal matter
  3. Failed to reasonably explain matter to client to permit client to make informed decisions
  4. Engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice
  5. Engaged in conduct involving fraud, deceit, dishonesty or misrepresentation
  6. Failed to appear for client status conferences
  7. Client’s worker’s compensation claim dismissed due to Michelle’s gross negligence
  8. Made false statements to client regarding scheduled hearings
As a consequence of his misconduct, the cheerleaders for Attorney Misfits sitting on the Illinois Supreme Court punished Michelle by gifting her with a complimentary 30-day suspension of her law license.
 
As we speak (ca. July 2012) Michelle practices with the Berkel Law Firm at 44 East Ferguson Avenue in Wood River, Illinois.
 

Who's Online

We have 174 guests online

Donation Request

Your donations are needed to help defray the recurring costs for internet services, cable access, research via LexisNexis, media subscriptions, and the employment of a researcher and editor.

Donate Here

The Committee to Expose Dishonest and Incompetent Judges, Attorneys and Public Officials, Powered by Joomla!; Joomla templates by SG web hosting

website counter