On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of Illinois allowed a petition by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to impose reciprocal discipline on attorney Justin Lamar Mason. As a result, Mason has been disbarred in Illinois, mirroring a similar disciplinary action taken by the Supreme Court of Missouri.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Justin Lamar Mason,” with case no. M.R.032764.
The disbarment stems from a disciplinary case in Missouri that began after Mason applied for reinstatement to the practice of law following a suspension in September 2021 for failing to pay taxes. During the reinstatement process, the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (OCDC) audited Mason’s client trust and operating accounts, revealing a pattern of misconduct in his handling of client and third-party funds.
The Missouri disciplinary proceedings highlighted several violations. Mason failed to maintain a general ledger or accurate client ledgers. He improperly deposited client settlement funds into his operating account instead of his trust account. In some instances, client funds were paid from other funds within the trust account, and earned fees and expenses related to various client matters were not disbursed correctly. Furthermore, settlement funds were not paid to clients in a timely manner, and personal expenses, including a 2020 Missouri Bar enrollment fee, were paid directly from the client trust account.
The Hearing Panel in Missouri determined that Mason violated several Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct, including rules related to holding client property separately, making cash withdrawals from the client trust account, disbursing funds before collection by the financial institution, failing to reconcile the trust account, failing to promptly deliver funds to clients or third parties, failing to maintain complete records of client trust accounts, and engaging in conduct involving dishonesty or misrepresentation.
The Hearing Panel also found Mason negligent in managing client property due to a failure to reconcile trust accounts, timely disburse payments, and timely disburse earned fees. They noted that this negligence caused injury to clients. Mason admitted he did not have a bookkeeper and was too busy to keep up with bookkeeping tasks himself.
In aggravation, the Hearing Panel considered a previous admonishment for unrelated conduct, the pattern of misconduct, and multiple offenses. Mitigating factors included evidence of Mason’s good character and reputation, and a determination that his violations were due to negligence rather than intentional conversion for selfish purposes.
Initially, the Hearing Panel recommended an indefinite suspension with no leave to apply for reinstatement for 24 months. However, both the OCDC and Mason rejected this decision. The Supreme Court of Missouri ultimately disbarred Mason, canceled his license to practice law in Missouri, and ordered his name stricken from the roll of attorneys. He was also ordered to comply with Rule 5.27 of the Rules Governing the Missouri Bar and the Judiciary, and to pay $2,000 in fees to the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Missouri.
The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to impose reciprocal discipline means that Mason is now also disbarred in the state of Illinois. Mason also failed to notify the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of his Missouri disbarment, as required by Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. The Administrator argued that the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct that Mason violated are similar to the Illinois Rules, particularly those concerning client property, trust account reconciliation, prompt delivery of funds, and conduct involving dishonesty.
The Disposition states:
“Petition by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to impose reciprocal discipline pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 763(a)(1). Allowed. Respondent Justin Lamar Mason, who has been disbarred in the State of Missouri, is disbarred in the State of Illinois.”
According to the filing, Mr. Mason acquired his law license in Illinois in 2012.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
