On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court approved a motion by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to suspend attorney Sara McClusky from practicing law for six months and until further order of the court. The decision comes after a recommendation from the Hearing Board regarding Commission No. 2024PR00067.
The disciplinary proceedings against McClusky stem from a complaint filed on October 30, 2024, which alleged professional misconduct. The allegations were later deemed admitted on February 14, 2025, after McClusky failed to respond or participate in the proceedings.
According to the admitted allegations, McClusky failed to file an appellate brief for two individuals she was appointed to represent after their parental rights were terminated. The Appellate Court, Fifth District, subsequently ordered McClusky to appear in person to explain her non-compliance. She did not appear, leading the court to find her in direct criminal contempt and fine her $100.
Furthermore, McClusky reportedly ignored letters from the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission requesting a response regarding the conduct in question. She also failed to appear for a sworn statement after being served with a subpoena.
The Hearing Board found that McClusky’s actions violated Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 3.2, 3.4(c), 8.1(b), and 8.4(b). These rules pertain to diligence, expediting litigation, fairness to opposing party and counsel, candor during the disciplinary process, and misconduct.
McClusky had no prior disciplinary record. However, the Hearing Board determined that her lack of prior discipline did not mitigate the severity of her misconduct, given her relatively short time in practice. The board also cited her failure to participate in the disciplinary proceedings as an aggravating factor, hindering their ability to assess her fitness to practice law.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
