Illinois Supreme Court

The Illinois Supreme Court during a brief ceremony Tuesday installed an official handmade gavel, crafted by esteemed Judge Andreas “Andy” Matoesian, marking a tribute to judicial tradition and as an emblem for court proceedings. The installation took take place ahead of the Legal Luminaries Reception honoring Appellate Court Justice Carol Pope (ret.) Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier and U.S. District Court Judge Rubin Castillo (ret.).

Justice P. Scott Neville and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Lester Finkle as a judge in the Eighth Subcircuit of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Mr. Finkle is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the election of Justice Mary L. Mikva to the First District Appellate Court. Mr. Finkle’s appointment is effective May 30, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026.

Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis, Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. and First District Appellate Court Justice Rina Van Tine will administer the attorney’s oath to 222 new lawyers over two bar admission ceremony sessions on Wednesday, May 7, in the First Judicial District at the Harris Theater located at 205 East Randolph in Chicago.

The group is among 282 individuals who will be sworn in and admitted to the practice of law in Illinois during bar admission ceremonies held in the state’s five Supreme Court judicial districts.

The Illinois Supreme Court announced today amendments to M.R. Order 29741 which will eliminate filing and appearance fees in minor guardianship cases and appearance fees in small claim cases. The amended rules are effective October 1, 2025.

“The Illinois Supreme Court is always looking to remove barriers to access to justice in our state,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said. “Removing and simplifying fees and processes for underrepresented litigants helps ensure they are able to have their voices heard in court.”