Justice Kilbride announces vacancy in 14th Circuit

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride has announced an application process for appointment to a resident Circuit Court vacancy in Whiteside County in the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.

The vacancy will be created by Circuit Judge John L. Hauptman's retirement, effective December 5, 2016. Judge Hauptman has been a judge since 1997, and currently serves as the resident judge at the Whiteside County Courthouse in Morrison.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. Justice Kilbride will make a recommendation to the full Court after applicants undergo an evaluation and screening process.

Notice of the vacancy has been posted at courthouses within the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties. The application form and instructions may be obtained by visiting the Supreme Court’s website at www.illinoiscourts.gov and following the instructions on the “Latest News” scroller announcing the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit vacancy.

Applicants must submit one original and the requisite number of copies of the application and other documents as instructed in the application packet. To be considered, all documents must be received in Justice Kilbride’s office no later than 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016.

An applicant must be admitted to practice law in Illinois and be in good standing with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission or any other respective disciplinary bodies.

Other qualities an applicant must possess include: a demonstrated reputation for integrity and good character; a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under law; outstanding legal ability and competence; and the appropriate demeanor, character and temperament.

The successful applicant must be a resident of Whiteside County. The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until December 3, 2018, when the position is filled by the November 2018 election.