Williamson County is in the 5th Judicial District and 1st Circuit.
ISBA Judicial Evaluations: Ratings are the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Polls: Opinions expressed are of those lawyers who chose to respond and not of the Illinois State Bar Association.
Learn more about ISBA Judicial Evaluations and Advisory Polls
5th Judicial District Appellate Court
Welch Vacancy
Amy E. Sholar
ISBA Judicial Evaluation
Justice Amy Sholar received her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, her law degree from St. Louis University School of Law, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2002. Prior to being appointed as a Circuit Judge in Madison County in 2021 (and elected to the position in 2022), Justice Sholar worked for the Madison County State’s Attorney office, for the City of Alton, and in private practice. In 2024, Justice Sholar was assigned to the Fifth District Appellate Court. Justice Sholar was a member of the Board of Trustees SIU System, and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club of Alton, Clayton and Virginia Williams Foundation, and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization).
The committee investigated Justice Sholar’s credentials in litigation experience, professional experience, health and age, legal knowledge and ability, integrity, sensitivity to diversity and bias, judicial temperament, diligence, punctuality, impartiality, professional conduct, and character.
Using the criteria and process above, the ISBA finds that Justice Amy Sholar is highly recommended for the position of Fifth District Appellate Court Justice. Attorneys described Justice Sholar as fair, well-prepared, and thoughtful. They further noted her even temperament and professionalism.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Poll
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 84.18 |
| Integrity | 93.22 |
| Impartiality | 87.57 |
| Temperament | 93.06 |
| Legal Ability | 85.63 |
| Court Management | 88.51 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 93.53 |
| Number of Respondents | 185 |
1st Circuit Judicial Advisory Polls
The 1st Circuit encompasses Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, and Williamson counties.
Vacancies
Solverson Vacancy
Heather Heaslett
Benjamin W. Reed
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 94.44 |
| Integrity | 94.55 |
| Impartiality | 96.30 |
| Temperament | 100 |
| Legal Ability | 94.44 |
| Court Management | 94.23 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 96.00 |
| Number of Respondents | 55 |
Lenoard “Jamie” Snyder
Casey Allen VanWinkle
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | 43.75 |
| Integrity | 64.52 |
| Impartiality | 59.38 |
| Temperament | 71.88 |
| Legal Ability | 50.00 |
| Court Management | 50.00 |
| Sensitivity to Diversity & Bias | 65.63 |
| Number of Respondents | 36 |
ISBA Judicial Evaluations: The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) utilizes a rigorous multi-step process to evaluate applicants for appellate and supreme court judge vacancies before making recommendations about them to the public. The process considers the candidate’s application, a comprehensive investigation including interviews with lawyers knowledgeable about the candidate, and a formal interview with the candidate. Finally, the full committee reviews and finalizes its ratings before making any recommendation. The ISBA’s evaluation process is designed to recommend candidates that will uphold the integrity and fairness of the judiciary. The ISBA is a statewide voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals, and its recommendations represent solely the ISBA’s opinion.
ISBA Judicial Advisory Polls: In counties outside of Cook, ISBA conducts an advisory poll. The advisory poll is conducted electronically and by mail and is sent to all ISBA members in the circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election. Illinois licensed attorneys who are not members of ISBA, or any Illinois licensed attorney outside the circuit or district may request a ballot. Participants of the poll are asked to evaluate each candidate only if they have professional knowledge of the candidate(s) that enables them to make an informed evaluation. Ballots are confidential. Candidates and judges are rated "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether respondents agree that the candidate "meets acceptable requirements for the office." Those receiving 60 percent or more "yes" responses to that question are rated "recommended" and those receiving less than 60 percent are rated "not recommended." Opinions expressed in the poll are of those attorneys who chose to respond and do not reflect the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association or the opinion of all Illinois attorneys.