Former Cook County Prosecutor Kim Foxx is no longer authorized to practice law in Illinois after failing to maintain her legal license.

According to the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC), Foxx is “unauthorized to practice law as [the] attorney has not demonstrated required MCLE [Minimum Continuing Legal Education] compliance.” Her law license was officially suspended on December 1.

Foxx told WGN-TV that the suspension was the result of a “clerical error” and stated she had “more than enough credits” to meet the requirements.

NEW: Former Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx is no longer authorized to practice law because she failed to comply with continuing education requirements, state officials say.

She was de-authorized on December 1, her final day in office.https://t.co/KCMKsREfMH

— CWBChicago (@CWBChicago) December 17, 2024

The suspension occurred shortly after Eileen O’Neill Burke assumed the role of Cook County State’s Attorney following Foxx’s decision not to seek reelection. O’Neill Burke, who won the position last month, has pledged to take a tougher stance on crime.

“No disrespect to the last state’s attorney, I just think there’s going to be a different philosophy,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in an interview with Fox-affiliate WFLD. “When you prosecute crime and hold criminals responsible, it’s effective.”

Foxx first became the Cook County State’s Attorney in 2016, gaining national attention—and frequent criticism—for her progressive approach to criminal justice. Her most high-profile case was her handling of the Jussie Smollett scandal.

Smollett, a black gay actor, fabricated an elaborate “hate crime” hoax, claiming two White individuals attacked him in Chicago while yelling, “This is MAGA country.” He alleged they tied a rope around his neck and poured bleach on him. Foxx’s decision to drop charges against Smollett sparked public outrage and widespread criticism of her leniency.

During her tenure, Foxx was backed by billionaire George Soros, who donated $400,000 to her 2016 campaign and an additional $2 million to a fund supporting her reelection in 2020.