Michael J. Madigan, the once-dominant Illinois House speaker whose grip on Springfield politics stretched across generations, has been disbarred by the Illinois Supreme Court after agreeing to give up his law license in the wake of his federal corruption conviction. The move formally wipes his name from the state’s roll of attorneys, cementing a professional downfall that has been looming all year.
Public records from the Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission show a proceeding titled “In re Michael Joseph Madigan” (Matter No. 2025PR00044). The filings note that Madigan, first licensed in 1967, agreed to a consent disbarment, and the case appeared in the court’s November discipline listings during the Supreme Court’s current term. WIFR reported on the filings and the timing of the order.
Statehouse reporters say the court’s action officially struck Madigan from the list of active lawyers this week, closing the book on his long legal career. CBS News Chicago noted that the removal took effect on Wednesday as part of the court’s regular round of disciplinary orders.
Conviction and sentence
Earlier this year, Madigan was convicted in federal court on multiple counts, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, and in June, he was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison along with a $2.5 million fine, according to The U.S. Attorney’s Office. Coverage of the sentencing detailed how the judge tore into Madigan’s performance on the stand, describing his testimony as a “nauseating display ... of perjury and evasion,” a remark reported by WTTW.
What this means for Springfield
The disbarment cuts off what remained of Madigan’s formal ties to the legal profession, a practice that for years helped underpin his political muscle as both House speaker and state Democratic Party chair. His corruption case, centered on allegations of no-show jobs and payoffs tied to utility lobbying, marked a stunning collapse for a man long viewed as Illinois’ most powerful lawmaker. AP News has detailed the broader scheme, including its links to ComEd and the state’s entrenched patronage culture.
Legal implications
In Illinois, a disbarment on consent effectively ends an attorney’s ability to practice law in the state and is a routine outcome when lawyers are hit with serious felony convictions. The ARDC filing in Madigan’s case lays out the case number and procedural status so the dismissal is reflected in the court’s official record.
Madigan remains in federal custody while he continues to challenge his convictions on appeal. His push to stay out of prison during that legal fight was turned down earlier this fall by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which refused to let him delay his surrender, according to WGLT/Capitol News Illinois.
