Disciplinary Action

Effective Date: July 25, 2025

Sanction: Disbarment (unconditional exclusion from admission to or exercise of any privilege to practice law in Delaware)

Case Number: In the Matter of John Du Wors, Case No. 17, 2025

Rules Violated

Du Wors was found to have violated the following Rules:

  • Rule 3.3(a)(1) - False statement of fact or law to tribunal (two counts)
  • Rule 3.4(c) - Knowingly disobeying tribunal obligation
  • Rule 5.5(c)(3) - Unauthorized practice during suspension
  • Rule 8.4(c) - Dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation (two counts)
  • Rule 8.4(d) - Conduct prejudicial to administration of justice (two counts)

Factual Basis

In April 2023, Du Wors sought and obtained pro hac vice admission in Delaware Superior Court. His certification represented that he was not the subject of pending disciplinary proceedings in another jurisdiction.

This statement was false: disciplinary proceedings were pending against Du Wors in Washington at that time.

Du Wors:

  1. Failed to correct the false certification
  2. Participated in mediation of the Delaware Superior Court case while suspended from practice in Washington

Procedural History

DateEvent
April 2023Du Wors admitted pro hac vice to Delaware Superior Court
August 24, 2023Washington suspension becomes effective
June 2024Delaware ODC files Petition for Discipline
October 2024Sanctions hearing before Board Panel
January 2025Board Panel issues Report
July 25, 2025Delaware Supreme Court orders disbarment
July 28, 2025ODC issues press release

Default Judgment

Du Wors did not answer the Petition for Discipline. Pursuant to Delaware Lawyers' Rule of Disciplinary Procedure 9(d)(2), all allegations and charges were deemed admitted.

Du Wors filed objections to the Board's Report with the Delaware Supreme Court, but the Court upheld the Board's recommendations.

Du Wors' Response

According to Law.com, Du Wors disputed the characterization of the sanction as "disbarment," arguing the term is inapplicable to an attorney who appeared pro hac vice and was not a licensed member of Delaware's bar. Du Wors indicated plans to challenge the decision directly and in federal court.

Source Documents

  • Delaware Supreme Court Press Release (July 28, 2025)
  • ALABnews (August 20, 2025)
  • Law.com Delaware Business Court (July 28, 2025)