Tom DeVore’s Legal Troubles: Potential Suspension Looms

News Summary

Tom DeVore, a Bond County attorney, faces a 60-day suspension from law practice due to a romantic relationship with a former client. This controversial relationship raises questions about conflict of interest and legal ethics. Involved in his client’s divorce and financial ventures, the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission’s recommendation poses a significant challenge for DeVore as he navigates potential appeals and his political ambitions.

Controversy Brewing: Tom DeVore Faces Suspension from Legal Practice

Legal Woes Over Personal Relationships

Tom DeVore, the Bond County attorney known for vocally opposing COVID-19 pandemic orders, is now embroiled in a legal quagmire that could see him suspended from practicing law for 60 days. A recent hearing board from the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recommended this suspension following serious rule violations linked to his personal and professional conduct.

The issues arose primarily from DeVore’s relationship with a client, referred to as “R.C.” in the documentation, who owns a beauty parlor in Springfield. After representing R.C. in her fight against state regulations affecting non-essential businesses, the pair began a romantic relationship. The board’s report indicates that this relationship developed shortly after DeVore took on R.C. as a client in May 2020.

Financial Ventures Turn Sour

Adding fuel to the fire, after becoming romantically involved, DeVore and R.C. launched a collaborative venture into the hair care market. They secured two loans totaling an impressive $500,000 to fund this business. Unfortunately, their plans did not come to fruition, leading to significant financial difficulties. It was after the culmination of both their relationship and business partnership in February 2023 that R.C. filed a formal complaint against DeVore in May of the same year.

After an exhaustive investigation, the hearing board came to the conclusion that DeVore’s actions demonstrated multiple breaches of conduct, specifically highlighting a conflict of interest due to the dating relationship formed while still functioning as R.C.’s attorney. DeVore, however, made the case that their attorney-client relationship ceased when business operations resumed in May 2020—an argument the board rejected.

Legal Maneuvering in Divorce Proceedings

Further complicating matters, DeVore played an active role in preparing legal pleadings for R.C. during her divorce proceedings. Despite the board’s findings, which indicated that DeVore had continued to maintain communication with R.C. through the end of 2020, he contends that his involvement in R.C.’s legal matters was separate and concluded.

Despite elements leaning against him, the hearing board also noted a lack of solid evidence for other specific rule violations proposed in the complaint, including claims related to an alleged order of protection against R.C.

The Path Ahead: Appeals and Political Aspirations

DeVore now stands at a crossroads. Should either party appeal the board’s recommendations, the case will escalate to a review board. If no appeal is lodged, the matter will be ultimately handed over to the Illinois Supreme Court for a final determination. This situation presents a significant crossroads for DeVore, especially as he has aspirations within the political arena, notably his candidacy in the 2022 Attorney General race where he was ultimately defeated by Kwame Raoul.

Adding to the controversies, DeVore has recently filed a lawsuit against Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie in federal court. This lawsuit claims that McCombie exercised censorship by banning him from her social media page following his criticism of her political actions. The suit seeks a jury trial and aims to challenge the conduct of government officials in controlling their online interactions, which DeVore argues violate First Amendment rights.

A Pattern of Legal Challenges

The barrage of legal troubles reflects a pattern of behavior for DeVore, who has frequently responded to public criticism with legal action. He previously filed lawsuits against critics on social media, often eliciting a mixed bag of public support and condemnation.

Despite his legal challenges and ongoing controversies, DeVore continues to maintain a public profile, using social media as a platform for discussing his viewpoints and legal hurdles. At 53 years old, and having earned his law degree from Saint Louis University, DeVore remains a fixture in both the legal and political landscapes of Illinois.

As the narrative around Tom DeVore unfolds, community members and legal professionals alike are left to ponder the implications of his actions on his legal standing and future ambitions within the realm of Illinois politics.