Illinois Attorney Margaret Jean Lowery to be Disbarred for False Statements Against Judges

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Review Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission affirmed a Hearing Board’s decision recommending the disbarment of Margaret Jean Lowery.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Margaret Jean Lowery,” with case number 2023PR00060.

The disciplinary action stems from a six-count Amended Complaint filed by the Administrator, alleging that Lowery violated the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct. The charges included making false or reckless statements that impugned the integrity of a judge, a retired judge, and the Illinois Supreme Court, as well as engaging in misconduct involving dishonesty and misrepresentations.

The Hearing Board had initially found Lowery culpable on five of the six counts. Lowery, representing herself, subsequently appealed the decision, raising multiple objections. Her arguments included claims that the Court and the ARDC lacked jurisdiction over her case, and that the Chairman of the Hearing Board Panel had abused his discretion by denying certain motions. She further contended that she was improperly excluded from the disciplinary hearing.

Lowery also alleged that the Hearing Board’s findings of misconduct were erroneous, and that the proceedings violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and her right to due process. She further claimed that the Hearing Board and the Court’s rulings were influenced by gender bias, and that the ARDC engaged in selective prosecution. However, Lowery did not challenge the recommended sanction of disbarment in her appeal.

The Administrator countered that no reversible errors had occurred during the proceedings.

The Review Board ultimately rejected Lowery’s arguments, upholding the Hearing Board’s evidentiary rulings, factual findings, and conclusions of misconduct. They found no basis for reversing the initial decision and concurred with the recommendation of disbarment. The Review Board noted that they did not address the sanction specifically, as Lowery had not raised it as an issue in her appeal.

According to Avvo, Ms. Lowery is a healthcare attorney in Belleville, Illinois. She attended the University of Tulsa College of Law, graduating in 1986. She acquired her law license in Illinois in 2000.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.