Illinois Law Limits Claims By Non-clients Against Accountants

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A recent decision by 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has confirmed that Illinois courts strictly construe Section 3.01 of the Illinois Public Accounting Act, which allows a non-client to bring a claim against an accountant.

The decision holds that the courts will find liability only in instances of fraud or intentional misrepresentation, or if the non-client can show that the accountant knew that its client's primary intent was to obtain accounting services to benefit or influence the non-client.

In other words, merely general knowledge that a client may show the accountant's report or other work product to a non-client will not cause an accountant to be exposed to liability for inaccurate reporting.

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You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

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