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Judicial Appointments

  • November 30, 2010 | Practice News
    Bertani appointed associate judge in Will County
    The Illinois Supreme Court has announced that Matthew G. Bertani received a majority of the votes cast by the circuit judges in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit and has been appointed to the office of associate judge. Mr. Bertani received his undergraduate degree in 1983 from Drake University and his Juris Doctor in 1988 from the University of Arizona. Mr. Bertani is currently affiliated with Sabuco, Beck, Hansen, Schrock & Bertani in Joliet, Illinois.
  • November 19, 2010 | Practice News
    Carroll, Orel are finalists for DuPage associate judge vacancy
    Chief Judge Stephen J. Culliton has announced that two finalists have been selected and certified for the vacancy created by the retirement of Associate Judge Joseph S. Bongiorno. The circuit judges will select either Brenda M. Carroll or James D. Orel by secret ballot.
  • November 19, 2010 | Practice News
    DuPage Chief Judge invites public comments on associate judge applicants
    Chief Judge Stephen J. Culliton released the names of people who have applied for the Office of Associate Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, DuPage County. Two vacancies were created by the election of Associate Judges Dorothy F. French and Ronald D. Sutter as Circuit Judges. As part of the review process of applicants for the Office of Associate Judge, Chief Judge Culliton invites public comment by letter. All letters must be received on or before Nov. 30, 2010. Comments should be addressed to:
    • Chief Judge Stephen J. Culliton
    • 18th Judicial Circuit Court
    • 505 N. County Farm Road, Room 2015
    • Wheaton, Illinois 60187
    The unofficial list of applicants:
  • November 17, 2010 | Practice News
    Smoot appointed first female judge in Williamson County
    [caption id="attachment_16179" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Carolyn Smoot"][/caption] The Supreme Court of Illinois announced Wednesday that Carolyn B. Smoot, an attorney for 27 years, has been appointed a resident circuit judge in the First Judicial Circuit. Ms. Smoot was appointed to fill the Circuit Court seat which became vacant upon the November 1, 2010 retirement of Circuit Judge Ronald Eckiss. Her appointment is effective December 15, 2010 and will expire December 3, 2012, when the position will be filled by the winner of the 2012 General Election. "I am very honored and humbled by this appointment. I deeply appreciate the confidence that Justice Karmeier and the Illinois Supreme Court have placed in me. I look forward to serving the people as a circuit judge; becoming the first woman judge in Williamson County makes my appointment that much more special.”
  • November 15, 2010 | Practice News
    Prendergast appointed to Cook County Circuit Court
    [caption id="attachment_16082" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Jean M. Prendergast"][/caption] The Illinois Supreme Court announced today that Schuyler, Roche & Crisham shareholder Jean M. Prendergast has been appointed to the Cook County Circuit Court, effective Dec. 3. Prendergast is the President of the Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association and has written about Illinois Supreme Court decisions for this blog. She is a 1994 graduate of the Loyola University Chicago School of Law and has clerked for Illinois Supreme Court Justices Mary Ann McMorrow and Mary Jane Theis (while as an Appellate Justice).
  • November 12, 2010 | Practice News
    Dinn appointed associate judge in 2nd Judicial Circuit
    The Illinois Supreme Court announced today that Thomas J. Dinn, III, received a majority of the votes cast by the circuit judges in the Second Judicial Circuit and is declared to be appointed to the office of associate judge. Mr. Dinn received his undergraduate degree in 1991 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and his Juris Doctor in 1995 from Southern Illinois University. Mr. Dinn is currently affiliated with the Franklin County State’s Attorney’s Office in Benton.
  • November 10, 2010 | Practice News
    Katz appointed associate judge in 20th Judicial Circuit
    The Illinois Supreme Court announced today that Julie K. Katz, received a majority of the votes cast by the circuit judges in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit and is declared to be appointed to the office of associate judge. Ms. Katz received her undergraduate degree in 1981 from the University of Illinois in Urbana, and her Juris Doctor in 1984 from the University of Illinois. Ms. Katz is currently affiliated with Cannady & Katz, P.C., in Belleville.
  • November 4, 2010 | Practice News
    Birkett appointed to Appellate Court
    The Illinois Supreme Court announced Wednesday that DuPage County State's Attorney Joseph E. Birkett has been appointed to the Appellate Court of Illinois, Second Judicial District. He takes the position presently held by the Honorable John M. O'Malley, who is retiring from judicial office on December 5, 2010. This appointment is effective Dec. 13, 2010 through December 3. 2012.
  • November 1, 2010 | Practice News
    Illinois Supreme Court announces vacancy in 6th Judicial Circuit
    Justice Rita B. Garman of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for a Circuit Court vacancy in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. The at-large vacancy is created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Theodore E. Paine effective November 3, 2010. Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to final Court approval. The applicants will undergo an evaluation and screening process.
  • October 27, 2010 | Practice News
    ISBA Assembly member Schleifer appointed Circuit Judge of Cook County
    Illinois State Bar Association Assembly member Andrea M. Schleifer has been appointed as a Circuit Judge of Cook County, Twelfth Subcircuit. This appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Mary K. Rochford. It is effective Nov. 16, 2010, and terminates on Dec.3, 2012.