Lawyer Accused of Seeking Secretary with 'Benefits' Gets One-Year Suspension
An Illinois lawyer accused of telling an applicant for a secretarial position that the job included “sexual interaction” has been suspended for one year.
The Illinois Supreme Court issued the order of suspension for Samir Zia Chowhan, the Legal Profession Blog reports. According to a hearing panel’s report, Chowhan posted an ad in the “adult gigs” section of Craigslist seeking a secretary, and asking applicants to send pictures and measurements.
After one woman responded, Chowhan is accused of sending an email informing the applicant her duties went beyond secretarial work. “In addition to the legal work, you would be required to have sexual interaction with me and my partner, sometimes together, sometimes separate,” the email said. ‘This part of the job would require sexy dressing and flirtatious interaction with me and my partner, as well as sexual interaction. You will have to be comfortable doing this with us.”
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Suspension Recommended for Lawyer Who Sought Secretary via ‘Adult Gig’ Craigslist Ad”
ABAJournal.com: “Ethics Complaint: Lawyer Lied About ‘Adult Gig’ Craigslist Ad for Secretary”
