Illinois Supreme Court Appoints 13 Judges to Circuit Court of Cook County

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the appointment of 13 judges in the Circuit Court of Cook County. These appointments were made out of public necessity to ensure an adequate level of judicial staffing in Cook County.

Each appointee has received recent positive ratings following interviews and evaluations from the Alliance of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening. They will run unopposed in the November general election.

The appointments are effective today, August 10, 2026, and all will conclude on December 7, 2026, following the November 2026 general election. The appointees are Sam Bae, Julian Sanchez Crozier, Robert “Bob” Groebner, William F. Kelley, Stephanie S. Kelly, Jarrett Knox, Juan Ponce de Leon, Ashonta C. Rice, Ashley Greer Shambley, Ava George Stewart, Jon Stromsta, Luz Maria Toledo and Radiance Ward.

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