On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, CWBChicago reported that former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx is no longer authorized to practice law due to her failure to meet mandatory continuing education requirements. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) confirmed that Foxx has not demonstrated compliance with the Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) standards necessary to maintain her law license.

According to the ARDC, attorneys whose last names begin with “F” must submit proof of continuing education credits by June 30 in even-numbered years. If they do not complete or report these credits, they are granted an extension until November 30. However, any attorney lacking an online transcript reflecting compliance by December 1 is removed from the master roll of attorneys for non-compliance.

Foxx’s term as Cook County State’s Attorney concluded on December 1, 2024. While it remains uncertain whether a non-compliant attorney can practice law on that date, the Illinois Constitution mandates that every elected state’s attorney must be a licensed attorney-at-law in the state. According to a veteran attorney and former assistant state’s
attorney, Foxx allowed prosecutors in her office to file legal documents under her name on December 1, despite being informed by the MCLE Board and ARDC that her license would lapse.

To regain her authorization to practice law, Foxx would need to complete the required continuing education credits or provide a valid exemption. Additionally, she must report this compliance or exemption to the MCLE Board and pay a reinstatement fee. Once the MCLE verifies her information, the ARDC will be informed, and barring any other issues, she could be reinstated to the master roll within three to five business days.

In January, Cook County Judge Michael McHale removed Michelle Mbekeani as the prosecutor in the Dante Brown double murder resentencing due to a conflict of interest related to her for-profit business. During the hearing, Judge McHale criticized Foxx for “setting [Mbekeani] up for failure” by appointing her to the Conviction Review Unit despite the obvious conflict. McHale also pointed out Foxx’s history of misunderstanding legal conflicts.

 

 

Source: CWBChicago