Former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has recently faced a setback in her legal career as she is no longer authorized to practice law due to her failure to provide proof of completing mandatory continuing education requirements. The Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has confirmed that Foxx is “unauthorized to practice law as [the] attorney has not demonstrated required MCLE compliance.”
The Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) requirements mandate that attorneys report continuing education credits by specific deadlines. In Foxx’s case, attorneys with last names beginning with “F” must report their credits by June 30 in even-numbered years. Failure to complete or report these credits results in an extension until November 30, after which non-compliant attorneys are removed from the master roll of attorneys for MCLE non-compliance.
Foxx’s term as Cook County State’s Attorney ended on December 1, 2024. It is unclear if a non-compliant attorney is allowed to practice on December 1, but the Illinois Constitution mandates that every elected state’s attorney must be “a licensed attorney-at-law of this State.” Despite being informed by the MCLE Board and ARDC that her law license would lapse on December 1, Foxx still allowed prosecutors to file pleadings in court under her name on that day.
To regain authorization to practice law after allowing their continuing education requirements to lapse, an attorney must earn the required education credits or hold a valid exemption, report their compliance or exemption to the MCLE Board, and pay a reinstatement fee. MCLE verifies the lawyer’s information and informs ARDC, resulting in the attorney being returned to the “master roll” within three to five business days.
It is essential for attorneys to stay current with their continuing education requirements to ensure they can continue practicing law. Foxx’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting these obligations to maintain a valid license to practice.
