A lawyer discipline panel has recommended a 20-month suspension for an ex-Vedder Price shareholder in Chicago, Robert Hankes, for faking invoices and double-billing.

As a former Am Law 200 partner who admitted to fraudulent invoices, Hankes' case stands out among lawyer discipline matters. But in stopping short of disbarment, the panel's recommendation would allow Hankes a potential path to practice law later on.

A hearing board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission this week recommended the sanction for Hankes, who took nearly $80,000 from clients before admitting to the misconduct and getting fired from the firm in October 2019, according to a report.