Commission Recommends Suspension of DeVore's Law License
Attorney Tom DeVore speaks after a court hearing challenging Governor JB Pritzker’s COVID orders in 2021. (Photo: State Journal-Register)
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The commission charged with ethics sanctions against Illinois attorneys is recommending the suspension of the law license of former GOP Attorney General candidate Tom DeVore.
DeVore, of Sorento in downstate Bond County, is the subject of a complaint to the Illinois Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission charging him with breaking attorney ethics rules by dating and having a business relationship with a client.
DeVore was admonished and sanctioned by a federal Bankruptcy Court Judge in 2023 for his actions with the client.
He rocketed into the GOP during the COVID pandemic in 2020 after filing multiple lawsuits challenging Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive orders.
The hearing board for the Commission is recommending a 60-day suspension of DeVore’s law license for engaging in a conflict of interest and a sexual relationship with a current client, entering into a business transaction with the client without providing required safeguards, bringing a frivolous lawsuit against the client, and for the sanctions received by the federal judge.
DeVore has recently re-entered the political scene, creating a PAC to defeat House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) and top allies in the 2026 GOP primary. He also didn’t ruling out challenging Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in the primary next year.
DeVore told The Illinoize Tuesday morning “it would be inappropriate for me to comment at this time” because the case isn’t final.