On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Review Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) rejected an appeal from attorney Brian Thomas Dailey, upholding a recommendation for his disbarment. The decision stems from a disciplinary complaint filed by the ARDC Administrator, which accused Dailey of misappropriating client funds and failing to cooperate with the ARDC’s investigation.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Brian Thomas Dailey,” with case number 2023PR00057.
The initial complaint contained two counts. Count I alleged that, as of June 2021, Dailey had dishonestly misappropriated approximately $737,963 across 29 separate client matters. Count II asserted that Dailey failed to respond to lawful demands for information from the ARDC regarding its investigations into his conduct. These alleged actions were cited as violations of Rules 1.15(a), 1.15(d), 8.1(b), and 8.4(c) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct (2010).
Due to Dailey’s failure to file an Answer to the Complaint, the Hearing Board deemed the allegations admitted and found him guilty of the charged misconduct. Consequently, the Hearing Board recommended that Dailey be disbarred.
Dailey, representing himself, subsequently appealed the decision. His appeal centered on the argument that the Chairman of the Hearing Board Panel had erred in denying his fourth request for an extension of time to file his Answer. He further contended that the Chair improperly granted the Administrator’s motion to deem the allegations admitted after he missed the filing deadline.
The Review Board dismissed Dailey’s arguments, affirming the Chair’s rulings. The Board concluded that the Chair did not abuse his discretion in denying the extension and deeming the allegations admitted. This decision effectively upholds the Hearing Board’s original recommendation for Dailey’s disbarment.
According to Avvo, Mr. Dailey is a car accident lawyer in Chicago, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1989.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
