Central Illinois

The Judicial Conference of the United States has authorized the appointment of a full-time United States magistrate judge for the Central District of Illinois at Springfield. The annual salary is $223,836. The eight-year term begins upon appointment. A court’s essential function is to dispense justice. A community’s belief that a court dispenses justice is heightened when the court reflects the community’s racial, ethnic, and gender diversity.

Justice David K. Overstreet of the Supreme Court of Illinois has begun an application process for two resident circuit judge vacancies in the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Wayne and Edwards counties.

A vacancy for Resident Circuit Judge, Wayne County, was created by the resignation of Judge Michael J. Molt, effective November 30, 2024. A vacancy for Resident Circuit Judge, Edwards County, was created by the death of Judge Michael J. Valentine on November 5, 2024. Appointment to both vacancies go through December 7, 2026, following the 2026 November general election.

One thousand six hundred four new attorneys were admitted to practice in Illinois on November 6, 2024, in all five judicial districts of Illinois. The Fourth Judicial District ceremonies were held at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Illinois Supreme Court Building, 200 E Capitol Ave, in Springfield with Justice Lisa Holder White swearing-in candidates.

Illinois State Bar Association Board of Governors' Members Nargis Khokhar and Mark Palmer were speakers for the Fourth Judicial District ceremonies. 

Justice Lisa Holder White and the Supreme Court of Illinois have announced that Justice Amy Lannerd has been appointed as an Appellate Court Justice in the Fourth District. 

Justice Lannerd is being appointed to fill the vacancy originally created by the decision of Justice John W. Turner to not seek retention. Her appointment is effective immediately. Justice Lannerd is running unopposed for the seat in the November 2024 election.