Ex-Dentons Extortionist Faces Disciplinary Charges

A former Dentons associate who stole the firm’s confidential files and then tried to extort cash and artwork from the firm now faces attorney discipline charges.

The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission’s complaint alleged ethical violations based on the criminal conduct of Michael Bernard Potere, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to federal prison for unauthorized computer access. The complaint was served July 10 but recently posted.

Potere was an associate in Dentons’ Los Angeles office from 2015 until June 2017, ARDC said. While working on a matter, Potere was given access to a partner’s emails. After the matter ...