At the end of his first year as an associate, Jeffrey L. Grinde Jr. reflected on his “many ups, many downs, and a lot of in-betweens.” His experiences inspired him to “find various ways to learn from other people’s successes and failures,” which he pursued through reading books by authors who have things to say about “writing, thinking, and living well.” In the June Illinois Bar Journal, Grinde recommends some of his favorite books about living a successful life in his article, “Too Many Books, Too Little Time.” 

Justice Joy V. Cunningham and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Ginger Leigh Odom as a Judge in the First Subcircuit of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Ms. Odom is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the election of Justice Carl A. Walker to the First District Appellate Court. Ms. Odom’s appointment is effective June 23, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026.

Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Richard A. Zimmer as a Resident Circuit Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Rock Island County.

Judge Zimmer is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Linnea E. Thompson on June 30, 2025. Judge Zimmer’s appointment is effective July 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026. 

Leading appellate attorneys review the two Illinois Supreme Court opinions handed down Thursday, June 5.