Illinois

Chicago Attorney Ethics & Discipline

Chicago is the legal capital of Illinois and a major hub for commercial litigation, criminal defense, and immigration law. Attorney discipline in Illinois is handled by the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The Ethics Reporter covers attorney misconduct investigations involving Chicago attorneys.

File a Bar Complaint in Chicago

Attorney discipline in Chicago is handled by the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). If you believe an attorney has violated their professional obligations, you have the right to file a formal complaint.

Visit Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) →Illinois Attorney Discipline →

How to File a Bar Complaint Against a Chicago Attorney

1
Document everything. Gather all communications with the attorney — emails, letters, invoices, contracts, and any evidence of misconduct. Organize it chronologically.
2
Identify the violations. Review the professional conduct rules for Illinois and identify which rules the attorney appears to have violated. Common violations include Rule 1.1 (competence), Rule 1.4 (communication), Rule 1.15 (client funds), and Rule 8.4 (misconduct).
3
Submit your complaint. File a written complaint with the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). Include all supporting documentation and be as specific as possible about dates, facts, and the specific harm caused.
4
Follow up. The grievance committee will typically acknowledge your complaint and assign an investigator. The process can take months to years. Stay in contact and provide any additional information requested.
5
Consider civil remedies. A bar complaint is separate from a legal malpractice lawsuit. If you suffered financial damages, consult with a legal malpractice attorney about your civil remedies, which operate on a different timeline than bar discipline.

What Attorney Misconduct Can You Report?

Rule 1.1 — Competence

Attorney lacks knowledge or skill for the matter

Rule 1.4 — Communication

Attorney fails to respond or keep you informed

Rule 1.15 — Client Funds

Attorney mishandles or steals money held in trust

Rule 1.3 — Diligence

Attorney fails to act with reasonable promptness

Rule 7.1 — Advertising

False or misleading communications about services

Rule 8.4 — Misconduct

Fraud, dishonesty, or criminal acts

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Investigations Involving Chicago / Illinois

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Ethical Boundaries in Illinois Estate Planning: A Closer Look at Madison R Miller

A Closer Look at Competence, Fees, and Trust Decanting Estate planning is an area of law where clients place an extraordinary amount of trust in their attorney.

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The Illinois Attorney Who Lost His License Over Domestic Violence

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When Words Cross the Line: Lawyer Felipe N. Gomez Suspended for Harassment

In the legal profession, words are a lawyer’s greatest tool but they can also become their downfall. Few cases illustrate this better than the disciplinary saga

August 24, 2025

Illinois Attorney Suspended After False Claims Against Federal Judge

Attorney discipline cases often reveal the fine line between zealous advocacy and professional misconduct. In Illinois, that line was crossed when Brian Keith S

August 23, 2025

Breach of Trust: The Disciplinary Case of Illinois Attorney Philip Edwin Koenig

Attorney discipline cases serve as an important reminder of the legal profession’s core values: honesty, trust, and fiduciary duty. In 2022, the Illinois Suprem

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The Ethics Reporter relies on tips from clients, colleagues, and insiders to identify attorneys who are violating their professional obligations. All tips are reviewed by our editorial team.

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