Many clients ask if they need an attorney at the Informal Disciplinary Conference set up by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  When the Department thinks that it can resolve a case without filing a formal complaint agains a doctor, it will send the licensee a Notice of Informal Disciplinary Conference. The Conference takes place at the Department offices, sometimes in Springfield, but the overwhelming majority take place at the Chicago Office.  The Department has at least on attorney (called a prosecutor) and at least on member of the Disciplinary Board at the Conference.  There is not court reporter or Judge present, and no one is under oath.  The Conference is simply a settlement conference to see if the case can be resolved in a manner acceptable to both sides.  This is the last best chance to make the case go away.  I tell my clients that investing in an attorney who know the Department and who has gone to Informal Conferences in the past is a valuable move.  The lawyers at Goldberg Law Group have extensive experience at the Department, and they can help you prepare for, present at, and follow up on your Informal Disciplinary Conference.