On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of Illinois transferred attorney Deborah Karen Blum to disability inactive status following a petition from the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Deborah Karen Blum,” with case no. M.R.032465.
Blum was previously placed on disability inactive status by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. This decision stemmed from Blum’s admission of her incapacitation, which prompted Massachusetts authorities to take appropriate action regarding her ability to continue practicing law.
According to the court documents, Blum was admitted to practice law in Massachusetts in 1986 and last registered to practice in Illinois in 1997. Following her registration, her status was recorded as voluntarily inactive, allowing her to remain out of practice under the court’s provisions. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, responsible for attorney conduct and discipline, recognized her as Deborah K. Blum-Shore, with her last known address in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
On June 27, 2024, the Massachusetts court formally placed Blum on disability inactive status, effective immediately. This action followed a petition filed by Bar Counsel, with Blum’s consent, confirming her incapacity to practice law. The Massachusetts court’s ruling and the proceedings surrounding it were documented but impounded, meaning they are not publicly available for inspection.
According to the ARDC, Blum had not notified the Commissionof her transfer to disability inactive status in Massachusetts, a requirement under Illinois Rule 8.3(d). Despite this oversight, Blum was cooperative during the investigation conducted by the ARDC.
The Illinois Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Blum to disability inactive status reflects similar practices in cases where attorneys have admitted incapacity.
The order issued by the court establishes that Blum will remain on disability inactive status in Illinois until further notice.
The Disposition states:
“Petition by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to impose reciprocal discipline pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 763. Allowed. Respondent Deborah Karen Blum, who has been placed on disability inactive status in the State of Massachusetts, is transferred to disability inactive status until further order of the Court in the State of Illinois.”
According to the filing, Ms. Blum acquired her law license in Illinois in 1984.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
