On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated Dr. Stephen Denis Delear to the active practice of law in Arizona, effective immediately. Delear had been administratively suspended since June 27, 2022, due to nonpayment of State Bar dues.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Dr. Stephen Denis Delear,” with case number PDJ2025-9014-R.
Delear submitted an application for reinstatement on February 13, 2025, in accordance with Arizona Supreme Court Rule 65(a)(1). Following an investigation by the State Bar, both parties reached an Agreement for Reinstatement, filed on April 8, 2025. The agreement included stipulated facts, conclusions of law, and supporting exhibits, as outlined under Rule 64(f)(1)(B).
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge, Hon. Lisa A. VandenBerg, reviewed the agreement and determined that Delear met all requirements for reinstatement. The judge found no outstanding costs or fees owed to the State Bar, noting a credit reflected in the State Bar’s Statement of Costs and Expenses. Additionally, Delear was not required to retake the bar examination, as his suspension lasted less than five years, per Rule 64(c).
The judge’s order confirmed that Delear is competent, fit to practice law, and has complied with all disciplinary rules and requirements for reinstatement. The agreement further established his qualifications to resume active membership in the State Bar of Arizona. As part of the reinstatement order, a scheduled telephonic status conference set for June 3, 2025, was canceled.
Delear, who is also licensed in the District of Columbia, acquired his law license in Arizona in 2021, according to Avvo.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
