Illinois Supeme Court Appoints Chelsey Clark as Resident Circuit Judge for Richland County

Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Chelsey Elizabeth Clark as Resident Judge in the Second Judicial Circuit, Richland County.

Ms. Clark is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ray Vaughn. The appointment is effective April 17, 2026, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. She is running unopposed for the seat in the November general election.

“I would like to thank Justice Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court for this appointment,” Ms. Clark said. “It is an honor to serve the citizens of Richland County, and it is a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly.”

Ms. Clark has served as the Richland County State’s Attorney since 2024. She previously served as an assistant state’s attorney in Lawrence and Richland counties. She began her career with Clark Law Office in Olney with a focus on family law, estates, and probate.

Ms. Clark earned her Bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law.

The Second Judicial Circuit includes the counties of Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: James Brunner, Public Information Officer of the Illinois Supreme Court at 217.208.3354 or jbrunner@illinoiscourts.gov.)