In the Headlines
June 11, 2020
Denied Ill. bar admission, applicant seeks SCOTUS review
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Partner Trisha Rich was quoted in a Chicago Daily Law Bulletin article about a denied Illinois bar applicant's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to find the denial violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In the petition, Thomas Skelton argues that the denial was based on his history of mental illness, even though his condition had been appropriately identified and treated; therefore, it constituted discrimination under the ADA by failing to provide reasonable accommodation. Ms. Rich and four other Holland & Knight litigation attorneys are representing Mr. Skelton in the case.
"He is more than fit to practice, but was denied admission because of conduct that occurred both as a result of his mental health condition, and during a time when that condition had not been properly identified or treated," Ms. Rich said. "...[We] thought it was important to bring this appeal because we believe bar applicants should be judged on their present fitness to practice law, and not on past conduct that was caused by a mental health condition."
READ: Denied Ill. bar admission, applicant seeks SCOTUS review
"He is more than fit to practice, but was denied admission because of conduct that occurred both as a result of his mental health condition, and during a time when that condition had not been properly identified or treated," Ms. Rich said. "...[We] thought it was important to bring this appeal because we believe bar applicants should be judged on their present fitness to practice law, and not on past conduct that was caused by a mental health condition."
READ: Denied Ill. bar admission, applicant seeks SCOTUS review