Ethics
Lawyer blames era hole for conduct that prompted courthouse-area ban and ethics criticism
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A lawyer banned from a courthouse regulation library and cafeteria in Will County, Illinois, needs to be disciplined for his flirtatious and inappropriate conduct with workers members, in response to an ethics criticism.
The June 23 complaint says Skokie, Illinois, lawyer Robert Edward Lewin continued in his conduct after he obtained a warning from court docket directors. Law360 has protection.
An administrator had investigated after an worker complained in March 2021 about alleged sexual harassment by Lewin, in response to the criticism by the Illinois Lawyer Registration and Disciplinary Fee. The worker alleged that Lewin requested feminine workers out on dates, advised them they “scent actually good” they usually “look ok to eat.”
One allegation surfaced that Lewin spoke with a library worker about his private life and left sweet at her workstation. Lewin was additionally accused of developing behind an worker, patting her on the pinnacle and placing his hand in her hair. A sheriff’s deputy who was current allegedly advised Lewin, “Don’t ever let me see you do something like that once more!”
Courtroom directors met with Lewin in April 2021 and requested if he had ever requested feminine opposing counsel, “Will I get a greater deal for my consumer if I argue or flirt with you?” Lewin allegedly replied that he generally requested feminine opposing counsel, “Will begging or flirting be more practical?”
Directors additionally requested Lewin if he had ever advised feminine workers or attorneys on the courthouse, “Good gown, however it might look higher on my flooring.” Lewin allegedly replied, “I’ve advised them they’ve a pleasant gown, however it might higher if it was off.”
After receiving the warning letter, Lewin allegedly advised an worker to “eat shit and die” when he was knowledgeable he wanted to fill out further types to schedule a court docket look.
He additionally allegedly requested an worker out for dinner and made an alleged inappropriate comment a few judicial extern. The comment: “If I had been 55 years youthful, I’d get along with her.”
After the brand new allegations surfaced, the court docket’s chief choose issued an order limiting Lewin’s presence within the courthouse. He’s allowed solely in courtrooms to symbolize purchasers and the clerk’s workplace to file paperwork.
The ethics criticism seeks self-discipline for touching the hair of the workers member and for alleged conduct that occurred after Lewin obtained the written warning.
Lewin advised the ABA Journal that, excluding one occasion the place he patted a workers member on the pinnacle, he doesn’t suppose he did something incorrect.
“I by no means sexually harassed anyone in my life, by no means mistreated a woman in my life,” Lewin mentioned.
Lewin mentioned he thinks his issues are as a consequence of a era hole in what is taken into account acceptable.
Lewin has been licensed to observe since 1974.
Lewin advised Law360 that his touching of a workers member’s hair was achieved in a pleasant manner and he by no means touched anyone inappropriately. He additionally acknowledged asking out a workers member however mentioned he backed off when it turned clear she wasn’t . And it ought to have been clear that he wasn’t severe a few relationship with the extern due to the age distinction, he mentioned.
