On Friday, September 19, 2025, the Supreme Court of Illinois issued an order suspending attorney James E. Taylor from the practice of law for two years, but stayed the suspension after one year, followed by 18 months of conditional probation. The order was a result of a petition filed by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of James E. Taylor,” with case no. M.R.032687.
The ARDC’s petition, which was filed on May 9, 2025, detailed multiple instances of professional misconduct allegedly committed by Taylor. The petition was filed with Taylor’s consent and with the approval of a panel from the Hearing Board, in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 762(b).
The ARDC alleged that between June 2022 and April 2024, Taylor failed to diligently represent five separate clients. These cases encompassed two criminal defense matters, one probate case, a mortgage foreclosure case, and a civil litigation matter. In each of these instances, Taylor purportedly collected advance legal fees from his clients but subsequently failed to file necessary court documents, appear in court as required, or adequately respond to client inquiries and requests for information.
The ARDC detailed specific allegations, including delays in filing probate paperwork, failures to appear in court for criminal cases, neglecting to respond to motions in a civil litigation matter leading to dismissal, and failing to take action in a mortgage foreclosure case, resulting in a default judgment against his client. In several instances, it was also alleged that Taylor failed to return unearned fees to his clients.
The ARDC acknowledged certain mitigating factors in Taylor’s case, including his acceptance of responsibility for his actions, his expressions of regret for the harm caused, and his past struggles with cocaine and alcohol addiction, as well as depression and anxiety, conditions that are currently in remission.
However, the ARDC also cited aggravating factors, such as the extended period over which the misconduct occurred, the number of clients affected by his actions, and Taylor’s prior disciplinary history. As a matter of record, Taylor was previously disciplined in 2016 and was suspended for one year, with most of that suspension stayed by two years of conditional probation, for similar misconduct involving the neglect of four separate clients.
The Supreme Court’s order mandates that Taylor adhere to a comprehensive set of conditions during his probation. These conditions include the successful completion of the ARDC Professionalism Seminar within 180 days, strict compliance with the Illinois Supreme Court Rules on Admission and Discipline of Attorneys and the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct, and reimbursement of the Commission for the costs associated with the disciplinary proceedings.
Furthermore, Taylor is required to attend regular meetings with a Commission probation officer, submit quarterly written reports detailing the status of his law practice and his compliance with the terms of his probation, and submit to random substance testing upon request by the Administrator.
The order also mandates abstinence from alcohol and unprescribed controlled substances, active participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Narcotics Anonymous, maintaining a relationship with a sponsor in a recovery program, engaging in an aftercare group for professionals in recovery, and undergoing a course of treatment with a qualified mental health professional. Taylor must also provide the mental health professional with a release to disclose information to the Administrator, comply with all treatment recommendations, report any lapses in sobriety, and make restitution payments to specified former clients.
Finally, Taylor is required to notify the Administrator of any arrest or charge alleging a violation of any criminal statute and of any change of address. The order specifies that any violation of these terms will result in the revocation of his probation and the commencement of his suspension. If Taylor complies with all conditions, the probation will terminate without further court order.
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Taylor is a real estate attorney in Chicago, Illinois. He acquired his law license in Illinois in 1992.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
