Summary of a ruling from the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission on a complaint against Thomas DeVore.
He was the Republican candidate for Attorney General in 2022.
Synopsis of Hearing Board Report and Recommendation
(April 2025)
The Administrator brought a six-count Complaint against Respondent, charging him with multiple Rule violations arising from his dating and business relationships with a client.
Based on the admissions and the evidence, the Hearing Board found that the Administrator proved by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent violated
- Rules 1.7(a)(2) and 1.8(j) by engaging in a conflict of interest and a sexual relationship with a current client;
- Rule 1.8(a) by entering into a business transaction with the client without providing the required safeguards; Rule 3.1 by bringing a frivolous chancery case against the client;
- Rule 4.4(a) by sending a disparaging email while representing a client that had no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, burden, or delay a third person;
- Rule 4.2 by twice communicating with a known represented party about the subject of the representation; and
- Rule 8.4(d) by causing the adjudication of a motion for sanctions
against him, which prejudiced the administration of justice.
The Hearing Board found insufficient proof that Respondent
- knowingly disobeyed an obligation under the rules of a tribunal as proscribed by Rule 3.4(c),
- violated Rule 3.1 by filing an order of protection case against the client, or
- violated Rule 4.4(a) by filing either of the court cases.
The Hearing Board recommended a 60-day suspension due to the Rule violations, substantial mitigation, lack of aggravation, and relevant case law
The 37-page report can be found here.
