The Rhode Island Supreme Court has temporarily suspended attorney Dilloun Rademacher from practicing law on an emergency basis, following disciplinary proceedings that began in July 2025.
On July 25, 2025, the Court's Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed an Emergency Petition for Immediate Interim Suspension and for the Appointment of Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master against Rademacher. The petition was filed pursuant to Article III, Rule 5(b)(6) of the Supreme Court Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.
The emergency petition was initially presented to a single justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, sitting as Duty Justice. Rademacher was directed to submit a response to the emergency petition and complied with this directive. On July 29, 2025, the respondent timely filed "Respondent's Objection to Emergency Petition for Immediate Interim Suspension and for Appointment of Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master."
After reviewing both the emergency petition and Rademacher's objection, the court entered an order on July 29, 2025, that had immediate and significant consequences for the attorney's practice. The order temporarily suspended Rademacher from practicing law in Rhode Island on an emergency basis, effective immediately and continuing until further order of the Court.
The July 29 order also appointed Chief Disciplinary Counsel as temporary Special Master with extensive authority over Rademacher's legal practice. The Special Master was authorized to take possession of respondent's client files, inventory them, and take whatever steps deemed necessary to protect clients' interests. This authority included returning files to clients or new counsel of each client's choice, and having full access to Rademacher's former law office and files to carry out these duties.
The court scheduled the emergency petition for a hearing by the full Court at its conference on September 4, 2025. The July 29 order also directed Rademacher to comply with Article III, Rule 15 within ten days of the order's date. However, according to court records, the respondent did not comply with the mandate of Article III, Rule 15 as required by the July 29, 2025 order.
In a development that occurred just before the scheduled conference, on September 3, 2025, Rademacher filed a second, different "Respondent's Objection to Emergency Petition for Immediate Interim Suspension and for Appointment of Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master." This filing came one day before the matter was scheduled to be presented before the full Court.
The matter was subsequently presented before the Rhode Island Supreme Court at the conference held on September 4, 2025. The court considered Disciplinary Counsel's emergency petition during this conference, though the complete outcome of these deliberations is not detailed in the available court documents.
Emergency suspensions of attorneys are relatively rare and typically occur when there are allegations of serious misconduct that could pose immediate harm to clients or the public. The appointment of a Special Master to take control of an attorney's files and practice is an extraordinary measure designed to protect clients when an attorney cannot or will not properly maintain their practice.
Article III, Rule 15 of the Supreme Court Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, which Rademacher was ordered to comply with, typically requires suspended attorneys to take specific actions to protect their clients' interests, including notifying clients of the suspension, ceasing to practice law, and cooperating with efforts to transfer cases and files.
The failure to comply with Rule 15 within the mandated timeframe could potentially result in additional disciplinary consequences. This non-compliance may have influenced the court's subsequent proceedings and could be considered an aggravating factor in any final disciplinary determination.
The case number assigned to this matter is No. 2025-222-M.P., indicating it is a miscellaneous petition filed in 2025. The "M.P." designation is commonly used for disciplinary proceedings and other special matters that come before state supreme courts.
Emergency interim suspensions serve to protect both the public and the legal profession's integrity when serious allegations arise against an attorney. While such suspensions are temporary pending full proceedings, they can have significant immediate consequences for both the attorney and their clients.
The appointment of Chief Disciplinary Counsel as Special Master ensures that clients' interests are protected during this period of uncertainty. The Special Master's authority to inventory files, contact clients, and facilitate the transfer of cases to new counsel helps minimize disruption to ongoing legal matters.
This case demonstrates the Rhode Island Supreme Court's willingness to act swiftly when attorney misconduct allegations warrant emergency intervention. The court's actions reflect its responsibility to protect the public while ensuring due process for attorneys facing disciplinary charges.
The ultimate resolution of this matter will depend on the full Court's review of the emergency petition and any subsequent disciplinary proceedings. Such cases can result in various outcomes, ranging from reinstatement to permanent disbarment, depending on the nature and severity of any proven misconduct.