Chicago, IL – Former attorney and Alderman Ed Burke, who was convicted of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion, is avoiding suspension despite his charges. The Illinois Supreme Court has yet to act on a petition for an interim suspension, as a majority of the court’s justices have recused themselves from the case. This has brought attention to the influence and power that the Burke family has had in the Illinois judiciary.
Burke’s crimes involved a city hall shakedown scheme to benefit his law firm, Klafter & Burke. He allegedly blocked permits for companies that did not send their tax appeal work to his firm. However, despite his conviction, his wife, Anne Burke, who served on the Illinois Supreme Court until November 2022, has connections that make it difficult for the court to proceed with disciplinary action.
The Illinois Supreme Court requires at least four of its seven justices to form a quorum, but with a majority recusing themselves due to their past association with Anne Burke, the court is unable to reach that number. The court’s spokesperson, Christopher Bonjean, stated that there is no mechanism in place to address this situation under the Illinois Constitution.
This situation has highlighted concerns regarding the concentration of political power in the hands of one person for an extended period. Ed Burke had significant influence in shaping the Cook County Democratic Party’s judicial slate-making process, which played a role in determining the composition of the court. Joe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation, described the situation as a reflection of the political history in Illinois, which has led to an intricate and convoluted scenario.
Despite his defense attorney stating that Burke has not practiced law for several years and wishes to retire from the bar permanently, his sentencing is scheduled for June. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission may file another petition for his suspension after that.
It is worth noting that Burke’s case exemplifies a larger issue within the Chicago City Council. With his conviction, he becomes the 38th member since 1968 to be convicted of a crime.
Overall, the Illinois Supreme Court’s inability to take action against a well-connected individual like Burke sheds light on the influence and sway that certain individuals can hold within the state’s judicial system. The concentration of power and the lack of mechanisms to address such situations raises important questions about the fairness and integrity of the system.