Get the information you need regarding anti-discrimination and consumer protection laws regarding housing and property rights! Don’t miss this four-part series that explores the housing access injustices suffered by individuals and families facing economic challenges across the spectrum and how their communities are being devastated. Join us via the Internet on January 25, 2017 for Part 1, which examines a number of housing issues, including: how the SCOTUS Opinion in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs vs. The Inclusive Communities Project may impact access to affordable, quality housing for low-income minority residents; the impact of affordable housing initiatives on individuals and communities; which housing initiatives work and which ones promote racial, ethnic, and socio-economic class segregation; the successes and failures of government-funded housing programs; HUD’s 2015 ‘guidance’ stating that “adverse housing decisions may constitute racial discrimination”; and the impact on children’s educational progress and opportunities due to constant residence changes.

Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Cecilia A. Horan as an at-large Cook County Circuit Judge. Ms. Horan was appointed to fill the position held by the Hon. Russell W. Hartigan, who is retiring from judicial office on Jan. 17, 2017. The appointment takes effect January 19, 2016 and will terminate on Dec. 3, 2018, when the position will be filled by the 2018 General Election.

Judge Debra Walker, former President of the Illinois Bar Foundation, is the recipient of the 2017 National Conference of Bar Foundations (NCBF) Excellence Award.  The award, to be presented at the NCBF midyear meeting in Miami in February, recognizes an outstanding contribution to law-related philanthropy by an individual. Prior to her election to the Cook County Circuit Court in 2008, she was a partner at the law firm of Clausen Miller, P.C. where she concentrated on professional liability matters.  Judge Walker has a long record of leadership in the legal profession. As a past president of the Illinois Bar Foundation, she served longer than any other board member in its 65-year history, holding the offices of Secretary and Vice President, as well as Chair of the Fellows program. A regular attendee at NCBF meetings, she served one term on the NCBF Board of Trustees, which included her service as chair of the Awards Committee and as a member of the Program Committee.  She also participated as a presenter at NCBF midyear and annual meetings. She was recently elected to the Illinois Judges Foundation board of directors.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis has begun an application process for a judicial vacancy in the Second Judicial Subcircuit of Cook County. The vacancy will be created by the upcoming retirement of the Hon. Camille E. Willis, effective January 29, 2017. Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled on an interim basis by Supreme Court appointment. Justice Theis will make a recommendation to the Supreme Court after applicants undergo a screening and evaluation process.