On Friday, August 8, 2025, the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission recommended a two-year suspension for attorney John Flynn Deckert, following a default proceeding held via videoconference on July 24, 2025. The panel, consisting of Chair John L. Gilbert, Martha M. Ferdinand, and Robbie L. Edmond, concluded that Deckert had committed significant misconduct in his dealings with a client, Robert Reetz.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of John Flynn Deckert,” with case no. 2024PR00078.
The Administrator representing the Commission requested disbarment or a lengthy suspension until Deckert made restitution to Reetz. The Hearing Board agreed with the Administrator’s request for a suspension until further order of the Court, emphasizing the need for Deckert to return the unearned fees amounting to $25,000.
The case stemmed from a one-count complaint filed on December 17, 2024, which alleged that Deckert made numerous false statements to Reetz regarding his legal services. The allegations included claims that he had filed a complaint in court, hired a process server, and issued court documents, none of which were true. In reality, Deckert delayed filing the complaint for almost two years and subsequently abandoned Reetz by moving out of state without issuing a refund for the fees paid.
The panel noted that the allegations against Deckert had been deemed admitted due to his failure to respond or participate in the pre-hearing process. This lack of engagement, according to the panel, demonstrated a disregard for the disciplinary proceedings.
Despite having no prior disciplinary history since his licensing in 2014, the panel found that the severity of the current misconduct outweighed this mitigating factor. Deckert’s actions resulted in actual harm to Reetz, as he misled the client about the status of his case while failing to act in a timely manner.
The panel also highlighted that after being made aware of the investigation, Deckert chose not to participate, further showcasing his disrespect for the disciplinary process. His absence from the hearing limited the panel’s ability to assess any evidence in mitigation regarding his fitness to practice law.
In its final recommendation, the Hearing Board concluded that Deckert should be required to petition for reinstatement and demonstrate his fitness to practice law before resuming his legal career. The report will be submitted to the Court for review and consideration.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Deckert is an attorney in Champaign, Illinois. He attended the Notre Dame Law School. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 2014.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
