On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of Illinois approved the petition of Donald Thomas for restoration to active status as an attorney, subject to specific conditions lasting three years. This decision comes after a motion by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) to approve and confirm the Hearing Board’s report and recommendation.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Donald Thomas,” with case no. M.R.032180.
Thomas’s restoration is contingent upon his adherence to a detailed set of requirements. He must comply with Article VII of the Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys and the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, cooperating fully with the Administrator in any investigations related to his conduct. He is also obligated to notify the Administrator within seven days of any arrest or charge involving criminal or quasi-criminal statutes or ordinances.
The order mandates Thomas to attend meetings scheduled by the Commission probation officer and submit quarterly written reports detailing his law practice and compliance with the restoration conditions. He must also complete the ARDC Professionalism Seminar within one year. His practice of law will be supervised by a licensed attorney approved by the Administrator, who must be notified of the supervisor’s name and any changes within fourteen days. The supervising attorney will provide quarterly reports to the Administrator regarding Thomas’s work, caseload, and overall fitness to practice law.
Further conditions include abstaining from alcohol and unprescribed controlled substances. Thomas is required to continue treatment with Dr. Grant G. White, or another approved mental health professional, with weekly psychotherapy sessions, and comply with all treatment recommendations from Dr. Jonathan T. Henry, or another approved professional, including medication management meetings at least once every thirty days.
Participation in the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center’s Aftercare Treatment Program, involving weekly meetings, psychiatric treatment, and therapy, is also required. Thomas must provide releases to his treatment professionals, allowing them to disclose information to the Administrator regarding his compliance with treatment plans, report any failures to comply, and respond to inquiries about his mental and emotional state.
The order also stipulates that Thomas must submit to random substance and alcohol testing within eight hours of notification, at his own expense, and participate in a 12-step program, attending at least three meetings weekly, maintaining a meeting log for quarterly reports. He must have a sponsor in at least one program, providing the sponsor’s contact information to the Administrator, and the sponsor must communicate with the Administrator quarterly and report any sobriety lapses within 72 hours. Thomas himself is required to report any sobriety lapses or unprescribed substance use within 72 hours.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
