In late 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court approved the Judicial Branch’s 2026-2028 Strategic Agenda. The agenda was developed by the Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC), the body charged with strategic planning for the Judicial Branch. It provides a blueprint for the work of the branch over the next three years.

Last December, Illinois attorneys and judges gathered in Chicago to reflect on the pressure the Trump administration has placed on law firms during his second term. They met as part of a continuing legal education program sponsored by the ISBA titled, “The Legal Profession: Caretakers of Democracy,” during the ISBA/Illinois Judges Association Joint Midyear Meeting on Dec. 9 at the JW Marriott Chicago. Panelists discussed President Trump’s executive orders directed at law firms, the need to rebuild public trust in the legal system, and tips for public appearances as legal professionals.

Justice Sanjay T. Tailor, a 23-year veteran trial and appellate court judge and the first Asian American to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court, was sworn in today by Chief Justice P. Scott Neville at an installation ceremony held in Chicago.

“I am honored by the trust and confidence placed in me by the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court,” Justice Tailor said. “I look forward to continuing the work of the court to ensure that our system of justice serves all people fairly and equitably.”

Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Third Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Chad M. Loughrey as an associate judge of the Third Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Loughrey received his undergraduate degree in 2000 from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor in 2006 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Mr. Loughrey is currently affiliated with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office in Edwardsville, Illinois.