Justice Kilbride seeks comment on 3 finalists for 10th Circuit vacancy

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas L. Kilbride is seeking public comment on three finalists who have applied to fill a judicial vacancy in the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. Justice Kilbride uses an extensive application, evaluation, and interview process to make a recommendation to the Court for judicial vacancies in the Third Judicial District.

The process will now proceed to background checks by law enforcement authorities and with the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Justice Kilbride will also use a poll of all attorneys residing in the 10th Circuit conducted by the Illinois State Bar Association. The attorneys are surveyed on their opinions of the applicants’ integrity, temperament, legal ability, management skills, and other professional qualifications.

Justice Kilbride has appointed a judicial screening committee made up of representatives from the community, including non-lawyers as well as members of the legal profession to evaluate all of the information. The committee member's names will be announced at a later date.

The names of the finalists are Peoria attorneys David Collins, Jodi Hoos, and Sonni Choi Williams.

Those wishing to send written comments about the finalists may address them to: Judge Appointment Comments, Tenth Judicial Circuit, Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, 3101 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield, IL 62704. Comments must arrive by Friday, December 5, 2014. Comments must include contact information such as name and address, and should be brief, preferably no more than 250 words.

Notice of the vacancy and the appointment process was posted at various courthouses within the Tenth Circuit, comprised of Marshall, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, and Tazewell counties. The Peoria County resident circuit court vacancy is created by the announced retirement of Judge Michael E. Brandt, effective December 12, 2014.

Among qualities an applicant must possess are a demonstrated reputation for integrity and good character; a demonstrated commitment to equal justice under the law; outstanding legal ability and competence; and the appropriate demeanor, character, and personality necessary for the judicial temperament required by a Circuit Court judge.

The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve until December 5, 2016 or otherwise ordered by the Supreme Court.

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Chris Bonjean

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