Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Erin Hannigan as Resident Circuit Judge in Winnebago County
Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Erin C. Hannigan as Resident Circuit Judge for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, Subcircuit 1, Winnebago County.
Ms. Hannigan is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge John Lowry. The appointment of Ms. Hannigan is effective January 20, 2026, and will conclude on December 7, 2026.
“Ms. Hannigan has dedicated her professional life to serving others,” Justice Holder White said. “Her legal knowledge and experience, along with her enthusiasm and servant leadership style, make her an excellent choice for the position of circuit judge. She will serve the people of Winnebago County well in this new role.”
Ms. Hannigan has served as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of Rockford since 2023. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office since 2005. She has been an active volunteer in the community, including for the Rockford Community Relations Commission, the Winnebago County Bar Foundation and the Rockford Area Arts Council.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve my community as a member of the bench. It has been a privilege to serve as an advocate, committed to the law and fairness. I will carry those values with me as I continue to serve the people of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit,” Ms. Hannigan said. “I want to thank Justice Holder White and the selection committee for their confidence in me and giving me this opportunity.”
Ms. Hannigan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and earned her Juris Doctor from Hamline University School of Law.
Her professional affiliations include the Winnebago County Bar Association, serving as Chair of the Criminal Law Section for multiple terms, the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association and the Illinois Defense Counsel.
(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)