How to Check a Lawyer's License in Illinois
Updated 2026-10-05
Before you hire a lawyer, it is reasonable to confirm that the person is licensed to practice in Illinois and that the license is in good standing. Lawyers who practice in the state are registered through the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of the Supreme Court of Illinois, often called the ARDC. The ARDC also handles complaints about lawyer conduct, so its public records can show more than a name and an address.
This article explains the general steps. It does not replace advice from a licensed attorney, and it does not say whether any particular lawyer is right for your case.
Why the license check matters
Lawyers must be licensed to give legal advice and represent people in court. A lawyer who is not licensed in Illinois, or whose license is suspended, may not be allowed to act for you. Checking the license is a simple first step that can save time and money.
A license check does not measure skill, and a clean record does not mean that any particular result will follow. It only confirms the basic status and any public disciplinary history.
Where to search
The ARDC maintains an official online Lawyer Search. You can find it through the ARDC website, which is the official site for the commission. Search by the lawyer's name, and when you find the right person, open the full record.
Be careful with look-alike websites. Some sites use names that sound official but are not part of the state system. If a website asks you to pay to see a license status, leave the site and go to the official search instead.
What to look for in the record
When you open a lawyer's record, check these points:
- Status. The record should show whether the lawyer is currently registered and eligible to practice. Terms such as active, inactive, suspended, or disbarred have different meanings, so read the explanation carefully.
- Name and business details. Compare the name and firm address with what the lawyer told you. Small differences are common, but large differences deserve a question.
- Discipline history. Public discipline records, if any, are listed in the official system. A record of discipline does not automatically mean a lawyer is unfit to help you, but you should read it and ask about it.
- Date of admission. This shows when the lawyer was first admitted. It does not tell you how much experience the lawyer has in your type of case.
Questions to ask after you check the record
If the record looks in order, the next conversation matters too. You might ask:
- Have you handled cases like mine in Illinois courts before?
- Who will work on my file day to day, and who will I call if I have a question?
- How do you charge, and what will I receive in writing?
- What is the next step, and what should I bring to our first meeting?
If the answers are unclear, that is useful information in itself.
Use more than one source
The license record is one tool. The Illinois State Bar Association is a bar association with a "For the Public" section on its website, but it is not the official licensing body. Court websites, such as the Office of the Illinois Courts, can also help you learn which courts handle your type of matter.
If you find a lawyer through an advertisement, ask for the license number and check it against the official search. Advertising can describe a firm in many ways, so verify the facts yourself. ## Where you practice matters
A lawyer licensed in Illinois may be a good fit for an Illinois matter, but local experience can make a difference. Courts in Chicago and Cook County operate differently from courts in smaller counties. If your case is in the Chicago area, you can review lawyers in Chicago and compare firms that work there. For other parts of the state, start with lawyers in Illinois.
If you cannot find a record
Sometimes a person uses a different name, a name change has not been updated, or the person is not licensed in Illinois at all. If you cannot find a record, do not pay a fee or sign an agreement until you understand why. Ask the person for their full name and bar number, and check the official search again. If the problem continues, do not rely on that person for legal advice.
FAQ
Is a license check the same as a background check?
No. A license check confirms registration and public disciplinary status. It does not review every part of a person's history, and it does not predict how a case will go.
Can I check a lawyer licensed in another state?
Yes, but you need to check the state where the lawyer is licensed. A lawyer licensed only in another state may not be able to handle an Illinois matter without meeting additional requirements.
Who handles complaints about a lawyer?
The ARDC handles complaints about lawyers licensed in Illinois. Its website explains how to submit a concern.
Is a bar association the same as the licensing agency?
No. A bar association can offer resources and referrals, but the official license record comes from the state's licensing authority.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed Illinois attorney about your situation.