Working With the ARDC: What You Can Expect and What We Expect
The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) serves the public and the legal profession at the direction of the Illinois Supreme Court. Our work is grounded in protecting the public and preserving the integrity of the legal profession through registration, education, outreach, restorative services, and, when necessary, discipline.
Whether you are a person making a complaint, a person subject to an investigation, or otherwise engaging with our office, we are committed to treating you with fairness, respect, and professionalism — and we ask the same in return.
Fairness and objectivity
We approach every matter objectively. We follow the facts, the law, and the rules governing the profession.
Respect and professionalism
We treat all individuals with courtesy and dignity, regardless of the circumstances or outcome.
Clear communication
We strive to explain our processes, timelines, and decisions in a way that is understandable and transparent.
Timely and thoughtful handling of matters
We work to address matters as efficiently as possible while ensuring careful and thorough review.
Empathy and understanding
We recognize that engaging with our process can be stressful. We listen and seek to understand your perspective.
Accountability
We are responsible for our conduct and decisions and are committed to maintaining high standards in how we serve both the public and the profession.
Respectful communication
We expect all interactions with our staff to be civil and professional. Abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior is not acceptable.
Patience with the process
Our work requires careful review and adherence to established procedures. We ask for your patience as we carry out these responsibilities.
Honesty and cooperation
Providing accurate and complete information helps ensure that matters are handled fairly and efficiently.
Understanding of our role
We are not a court, and we do not represent individual parties. Our role is to assess conduct under the rules governing attorneys and to act in the interest of the public and the profession.
Our process works best when interactions are grounded in mutual respect and professionalism. We are committed to engaging with you in a manner that reflects fairness, integrity, and respect.
We ask that you approach your interactions with our staff in the same way. Clear, respectful communication and cooperation allow us to review matters thoroughly and efficiently, and to focus on addressing the issues presented in a fair and thoughtful manner.
Whether you are a person making a complaint, a person subject to an investigation, or otherwise engaging with our office, we are committed to treating you with fairness, respect, and professionalism — and we ask the same in return.
What You Can Expect From Us
Fairness and objectivity
We approach every matter objectively. We follow the facts, the law, and the rules governing the profession.
Respect and professionalism
We treat all individuals with courtesy and dignity, regardless of the circumstances or outcome.
Clear communication
We strive to explain our processes, timelines, and decisions in a way that is understandable and transparent.
Timely and thoughtful handling of matters
We work to address matters as efficiently as possible while ensuring careful and thorough review.
Empathy and understanding
We recognize that engaging with our process can be stressful. We listen and seek to understand your perspective.
Accountability
We are responsible for our conduct and decisions and are committed to maintaining high standards in how we serve both the public and the profession.
What We Expect From You
Respectful communication
We expect all interactions with our staff to be civil and professional. Abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior is not acceptable.
Patience with the process
Our work requires careful review and adherence to established procedures. We ask for your patience as we carry out these responsibilities.
Honesty and cooperation
Providing accurate and complete information helps ensure that matters are handled fairly and efficiently.
Understanding of our role
We are not a court, and we do not represent individual parties. Our role is to assess conduct under the rules governing attorneys and to act in the interest of the public and the profession.
A Shared Commitment to Respectful Interaction
Our process works best when interactions are grounded in mutual respect and professionalism. We are committed to engaging with you in a manner that reflects fairness, integrity, and respect.
We ask that you approach your interactions with our staff in the same way. Clear, respectful communication and cooperation allow us to review matters thoroughly and efficiently, and to focus on addressing the issues presented in a fair and thoughtful manner.
