Illinois Real Estate Broker License Defense Attorney

Chicago Area Lawyers Assisting Real Estate Brokers, Managing Brokers, and Leasing Agents With Disciplinary Action

The real estate market offers many great business opportunities, and real estate brokers (commonly known as real estate agents) provide invaluable assistance in buying, selling, or leasing residential and commercial property. Brokers are required to obtain and maintain a professional license, and if they are found to be in violation of laws or regulations, they may face disciplinary action, including the suspension or revocation of their licenses. In these cases, brokers should secure representation from a skilled attorney in order to protect their ability to continue working as a real estate agent.

At Williams & Nickl, LLC, our lawyers have more than 55 years of combined experience addressing professional licensing issues with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). We have represented over 3,000 clients before the IDFPR, and we understand the applicable laws and the rules and procedures that are followed in IDFPR cases. As the former IDFPR Chief of Real Estate Prosecutions, Attorney Edward W. Williams brought our clients knowledge of the processes followed in IDFPR investigations and prosecutions, and we know the best strategies for success in real estate license defense cases.

Licensing Issues for Real Estate Brokers

In Illinois, licenses for real estate brokers, managing brokers, and leasing agents are regulated by the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board. The Board may take disciplinary action against a broker’s license for multiple reasons, including:

• Practicing Without a License or on an Expired License
• Escrow Money Violations
• Accounting or Recordkeeping Irregularities
• Failure to Properly Fill in or Use a Contract
• Sister-State or Sister-License Discipline
• Criminal Convictions for Felony or Misdemeanor Offenses
• Unethical, Unprofessional, or Dishonorable Conduct
• Mental Illness or Physical Disability Resulting in an Inability to Practice the Profession
• Drug or Alcohol Abuse
• Inaccurate or Misleading Advertising

If a formal Complaint is filed against you, or if the IDFPR believes that there are grounds for discipline to your real estate broker’s license, you may be contacted by an IDFPR investigator, or you may receive notice of an informal conference or preliminary hearing. Before speaking to the IDFPR, providing them with any documents or other information, or surrendering your license, you should contact us to discuss your case and determine how you should proceed. We will speak with you for one hour, either over the phone or in person, and this consultation is free of charge. We will review the circumstances of your case, help you understand the types of discipline you may face, and explain the best steps you can take to defend your license.

We can also assist with potential issues that may result in the denial of a real estate broker’s license application. If you have received a Notice of Deficiency Checklist from the IDFPR, or if you have been asked to provide information about previous criminal convictions or sister-state discipline, we can work with you to determine how to respond. In your free consultation, we will help you understand the steps to take to dispose of these inquiries. If necessary, we can help you draft an explanation letter to the IDFPR that answers their questions satisfactorily, and we will follow up with IDFPR licensing officials to ensure that your license is issued quickly.

We have a record of success helping numerous clients defend against disciplinary action to their licenses. In one case, we represented a real estate broker who lost his license after being convicted in federal court of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. After the IDFPR refused to negotiate a settlement, we went to trial, where we presented many character witnesses and prepared our client for cross-examination. Because of this, the Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board decided to restore our client’s license.

Contact Our Chicago Real Estate License Discipline Attorneys

When you are facing discipline to your real estate broker’s license, you need an attorney who understands the laws, statutes, and regulations that govern your profession. Fred and Edward know how the Real Estate License Act of 2000 (225 ILCS 454/1-1, et seq.) applies to license discipline cases, and we can ensure that the proper procedures are followed in your case as defined by the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act (5 ILCS 100/1-1, et seq.) and the Administrative Procedures for General Professional Regulation (68 ILAC 1130.10, et seq.).

To schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your professional license, contact us at 312-335-9470. With our reputation as tough litigators and our history of success in IDFPR cases, we can help you understand how to achieve the best outcome to your situation. In many cases, we are able to help our clients avoid any public discipline to their licenses.