On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, the Administrator of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission filed a formal complaint against attorney Jeffrey Michael McCarthy, alleging multiple violations of professional conduct rules.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Jeffrey Michael McCarthy,” with case no. 2025PR00047.
The charges cited Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4(a)(3), 1.4(a)(4), 1.15(a), 1.15(b), 1.16(d), 8.4(c), and 8.1(b).
The complaint outlines cases involving two clients, identified as K.G. and D.C. In the first case, K.G. engaged McCarthy’s services following the unexpected death of her husband, D.G., in January 2021. McCarthy agreed to assist her with various legal matters, including the transfer of stock certificates and the collection of death benefits from insurance policies. K.G. paid McCarthy a retainer fee of $2,500, but instead of depositing the funds into his client trust account, he allegedly used the money for personal expenses without authorization.
Despite repeated requests for updates on her case, K.G. reported that McCarthy failed to communicate and did not complete any of the agreed-upon legal tasks over a period of more than two years. As of September 2023, K.G. had received no progress on her case, prompting her to seek help from another attorney. In July 2024, K.G. formally requested a refund of her retainer fee, which McCarthy did not respond to until March 2025, when he issued a check for the full amount.
The complaint also addresses McCarthy’s failure to cooperate with the disciplinary investigation initiated in response to K.G.’s complaints. After K.G. contacted the Administrator on September 23, 2024, detailing her concerns about McCarthy’s lack of communication and diligence, the Administrator sought a written response from him. McCarthy failed to respond to multiple requests for information, leading to further action from the commission. His lack of cooperation included not responding to requests for documentation and required appearances, ultimately resulting in a subpoena.
In a second case involving D.C., McCarthy was hired to prepare a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) related to D.C.’s ex-husband’s pension. D.C. paid a fee of $2,155 for the service, but McCarthy reportedly failed to follow up on the status of the QDRO or respond to D.C.’s inquiries over an extended period. D.C. made multiple attempts to contact him without success. As of August 2025, McCarthy had not completed the QDRO or returned any portion of the fee paid.
The allegations assert that McCarthy’s actions violated several rules of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, including failing to act with reasonable diligence, failing to keep clients informed, and improperly using client funds. His conduct is characterized by dishonesty and a lack of communication, which are considered serious breaches of professional ethics.
The Administrator has requested that the matter be assigned to a hearing board for further proceedings. The commission will conduct a thorough review of the evidence and determine appropriate disciplinary measures based on the findings.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. McCarthy is a family attorney in Lockport, Illinois. He attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law, graduating in 1992. He acquired his law license in Illinois in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
