On Thursday, May 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of Illinois granted a motion by Thomas Earl Hildebrand, Jr. to have his name removed from the roll of attorneys licensed to practice law in the state. The court’s decision followed Hildebrand’s motion filed on March 26, 2025, under Supreme Court Rule 762(a), accompanied by a statement of charges from the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) and Hildebrand’s affidavit.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Thomas Earl Hildebrand, Jr.,” with case no. M.R.032620.

The ARDC’s statement of charges outlined a pending two-count complaint against Hildebrand. The first count involved allegations of dishonest conduct in a criminal case in Greene County. On April 28, 2023, Hildebrand failed to appear at a scheduled sentencing hearing for a client, despite having received prior notice. He falsely told the client’s mother and Judge Zachary Schmidt that he was unaware of the hearing date. Additionally, Hildebrand misrepresented to Judge Schmidt that he had not received a court order from April 4, 2023, leading to a contempt of court finding and a $500 fine.

The second count addressed Hildebrand’s representation of a client in a personal injury case against Argosy Alton Belle Casino. After filing a complaint in Madison County on September 15, 2020, Hildebrand failed to issue a summons or serve the defendant. The case was dismissed in 2023 due to inactivity, and Hildebrand did not inform his client of the dismissal or take action to vacate it, resulting in the client’s claim becoming time-barred.

Hildebrand’s legal career included prior disciplinary actions in 2003 and 2006, with reinstatement denials in 2009 and 2012. He was reinstated in 2016 with conditions.

In his affidavit, Hildebrand acknowledged the ARDC’s evidence and stated his motion to be removed from the attorney roll was voluntary.

The Disposition states:

“Motion by Thomas Earl Hildebrand, Jr. to strike name from the roll of attorneys licensed to practice law in Illinois pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 762(a). Allowed. Effective immediately.”

According to Avvo.com, Mr. Hildebrand, Jr., was a criminal defense attorney in Granite City, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1976.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.