False Claims in a Blog Could Lead to Lawyer’s Suspension

A recent ABA Journal article tells the cautionary tale of an Illinois lawyer who stands accused of blogging with a reckless disregard for the truth.  The attorney is facing a proposed three-year suspension.

The attorney in question “oversaw a blog about a probate matter in which she alleged corruption in the probate court, both generally and in the probate matter. Specific individuals were identified in a table of torts, which Denison described as TEN PAGES of questionable behavior, corruption, misfeasance, malfeasance, perpetration of misdemeanors and felonies in the case.”

The hearing board of the Illinois Registration and Disciplinary Commission found that there was no rational basis to support the allegations about improprieties.

Obviously, this case of malfeasance by a lawyer is extreme, however it is important for a lawyer who blogs to know the nuances of the law in this area.  Attorneys or students may want to check out our newly arrived book:  The Legal Side of Blogging for Lawyers to make sure they are compliant with their ethical obligations.