Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Peter J. Birnbaum to a six-year term on the Illinois Court of Claims. Birnbaum, a judge on the Court since 2004 and Chief Justice since 2015, retains his role as president and CEO of Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. (ATG®, http://www.atgf.com/).
The Illinois Court of Claims was established by the legislature in 1889 as a forum of limited jurisdiction to render decisions on monetary claims and lawsuits against the state. Birnbaum is one of seven judges on the Court of Claims. They are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Illinois Senate. “I am honored by Governor Rauner’s continuing confidence in me to lead and serve on a court that plays an integral role in determining the rights and responsibilities of the state and its citizens,” Birnbaum said.
During his tenure, Birnbaum has provided leadership for the court in a number of areas, for example, cases involving soldiers killed in the line of duty. He also has authored several significant opinions including a case involving a State Trooper who killed two young girls while he was texting and driving at reckless speeds.