19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois

Congratulations to David and Ashley, the two newest Lake County Veterans Treatment and Assistance Court (VTAC) graduates of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois.

Presiding Judge of the Nineteenth Circuit’s Restorative Justice Division, Circuit Judge Christen L. Bishop, explained the importance and impact of the VTAC Court. She stated, “VTAC was established back in 2011 when the Court, criminal justice officials, and the VA, in a collaborative effort, recognized a need in the community and in the justice system to assist our veterans with homelessness, addiction, and su***de attempts; and a way to connect them with the community.

It is our mission for VTAC to enhance public safety by providing community supervision, assistance, and treatment services through a nonadversarial and collaborative effort. We strive to improve the quality of life of our justice-involved veterans who served under honorable conditions.

Today's graduates, David and Ashley, are shining examples of persistence and resiliency. Their quiet confidence and consistency have been instrumental in their journey to success."

Newly installed Associate Judge Gabriel J. Conroe was also honored for his service and dedication to the Therapeutic Intensive Monitoring Courts (TIM) program as a Lake County Assistant Public Defender.

To learn more about our (TIM) Courts, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ypzazuhh

Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois Judges Association Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center Nicasa Behavioral Health Services Naval Station Great Lakes Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Quilts of Valor

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois' interns, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart's interns, and the Lake County Public Defender's Office Interns participated in a mock trial on Thursday afternoon. Judges from the 19th Judicial Circuit presided over the mock proceeding, coached the teams, and provided invaluable feedback to ensure the interns had a full trial court experience.

Great job, interns!

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Thank you, CASA Lake County!

For more information on how to become a CASA advocate, please visit: https://www.casalakecounty.com

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Help us congratulate our newest volunteers who completed their 30 hour pre-service training and were sworn-in by Judge Marni Slavin this morning! 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois

Thank you all for your committment to advocating for children in foster care in Lake County!

To learn more about our work, please visit casalakecounty.com

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes had the pleasure of administering oaths of office to Lake County's newest Associate Judges, Judge Gabriel J. Conroe and Judge Matthew J. DeMartini.

These positions were available due to the retirements of the Honorable Raymond D. Collins and the Honorable Charles D. Johnson.

“Mr. Conroe and Mr. DeMartini will be excellent additions to the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. They will bring considerable skill and understanding to their new roles with extensive experience, an abundant sense of fairness, and a commitment to justice. I congratulate them on their appointments and look forward to Mr. Conroe and Mr. DeMartini joining us as Associate Judges in Lake County,” said Chief Judge Shanes.

Congratulations, Judge Conroe and Judge DeMartini. Welcome to the 19th Judicial Circuit.

Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Illinois State Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County, IL Government

Colleagues, friends, and family gathered to congratulate 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Associate Judge Raymond D. Collins and Associate Judge Charles D. Johnson on their retirements, effective today, July 12, 2024. They both honorably served on the bench in Lake County for nearly 20 years.

Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes and Circuit Judge Victoria A. Rossetti shared remarks of appreciation and gratitude with the attendees, and Judges Collins and Johnson each reflected on their careers.

Congratulations, Judge Collins and Judge Johnson; the people of Lake County are grateful for your dedication and service.

Illinois Judges Association Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County, IL Government Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart

Our 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois interns, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart interns, and the Lake County Clerk - Office of Anthony Vega interns gathered on Lincoln Plaza for an ice cream social! What a great way for our offices’ interns to come together.

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🇺🇸 As a friendly reminder, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. 🇺🇸

LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER RETIRES AFTER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE

“Today, we celebrate the remarkable career of a truly exceptional individual, the retirement of head public defender Joy Gossman. She is the first female and the longest-serving public defender in the history of Lake County. It is an honor to acknowledge the contributions Joy has made to our legal community and the justice system as the Lake County Public Defender,” said Deputy Chief Judge Patricia S. Fix on behalf of herself and Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/4e2e7wpx

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County, IL Government Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart Illinois State Bar Association

CONROE AND DEMARTINI NAMED ASSOCIATE JUDGES

Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes is pleased to announce that Gabriel J. Conroe of Highland Park and Matthew J. DeMartini of Antioch received the majority of votes from the Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit and will be installed as Associate Judges. These positions were available due to the upcoming retirements of the Honorable Raymond D. Collins and the Honorable Charles D. Johnson, who will be stepping down from the bench on July 12, 2024, after nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the residents of Lake County.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/2ax2ex2x

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FOUR FINALISTS NAMED FOR TWO ASSOCIATE JUDGE VACANCIES

The Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit have chosen the finalists for the associate judge vacancies. These positions are available due to the retirements of the Honorable Raymond D. Collins and the Honorable Charles D. Johnson who will be retiring from the bench on July 12, 2024, both with nearly 20 years of service to the residents of Lake County. Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes is pleased to announce the names of the finalists: Gabriel J. Conroe of Highland Park, Matthew J. DeMartini of Antioch, Roderick A. Drobinski of Wauconda, and Sari W. Montgomery of Riverwoods.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/4zfmr3tu

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association

The 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

Additionally, due to a system update, eCourt Portal access will be unavailable on June 19th, from 9am until 11am.

Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart

Congratulations, 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Judge George D. Strickland on being the 2024 recipient of the Benedict J. Ori Award. Quite the honor.

Lake County Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois Judges Association Illinois State Bar Association

Congratulations to the Honorable George D. Strickland on receiving the 2024 Benedict J. Ori Award. Established in 1986 by former Lake County State's Atty. Fred Foremen the Ori Award recognizes the efforts of former Lake County prosecutors and their contribution to law enforcement, the bar association, and the judiciary. The award is named for Benedict J. Ori, a former Lake County assistant state's attorney who later became a top criminal defense attorney. Ori was appointed to a Lake County associate judgeship in 1985 but passed away before taking office.

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois welcomed our summer interns during a coffee meet and greet with the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart’s interns, and Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein’s interns.

Such a promising group of law and college students, we look forward to working with them.

Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois ASSOCIATE JUDGE BETAR RECEIVES LIFETIME ADVOCATE AWARD

This month, Lake County Associate Judge Michael B. Betar received the 2024 Arab American Bar Association (AABAR) of Illinois Lifetime Advocate Award presented by Jawad Shalabi, Vice President of AABAR.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/bdd6n83k

Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes had the honor of speaking at the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office Annual Police Memorial Event held on Lincoln Plaza in Waukegan today.

"The service of our fallen officers extends far beyond the call of duty. They were guardians of peace, champions of justice, and pillars of strength within our communities. Their unwavering resolve and steadfast commitment to serve and protect serves as an inspiration. Their legacy lives on in the countless lives that they touched and the indelible mark that they left on our collective consciousness. Today, we honor not only their valor in their line of duty but also their compassion and empathy in their daily interactions with those whom they swore to protect.

Behind every hero stands a family who shares in their sacrifice. To the loved ones left behind, we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt sympathy. Your strength, resilience, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Though the pain of loss may never fully fade, may you find solace knowing your loved one's legacy will forever be honored and cherished.

Justice is the cornerstone upon which a civilized society is built. It is the bedrock of our democracy, the guarantor of our freedoms, and the protector of our rights. But justice is not a mere abstraction; it is a living, breathing concept that relies on the dedication and sacrifice of those who uphold it. Our fallen heroes understood this implicitly," said Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes.

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In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th U.S. President, established Law Day as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law. In 1961 by a joint Congressional resolution, May 1st was designated as the official date for celebrating Law Day in the United States.

Today, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois celebrated Law Day with students from across Lake County.

The morning started with high school students participating in courthouse programs including a welcome from Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes, a K9 demonstration from Deputy Stancioiu and her partner Drako, a tour of the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office's Jail, a tour of the Lake County Illinois Coroner's Office, and then a mock sentencing.

This afternoon, students in grades K-12 received awards for participation in a coloring contest, a poster contest, an essay contest, and an illustration contest. Congratulations to all of the winners, this year over 400 entries were submitted!

Thank you to the Lake County Bar Association and Lake County Bar Foundation for your support of our annual event. And thank you to all of the volunteers including private attorneys, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, and the Lake County Public Defender's Office.

For more information on Law Day, please visit: https://19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/1446/Law-Day-Activities

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21 CANDIDATES APPLY FOR TWO LAKE COUNTY ASSOCIATE JUDGE POSITIONS

The Administrative Office of Illinois Courts has notified Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes that 21 local attorneys have submitted applications for two upcoming Associate Judge vacancies in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. These vacancies result from the impending retirements of Associate Judge Raymond D. Collins and Associate Judge Charles D. Johnson, effective July 12, 2024.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/muk9prfy

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County, IL Government

🐾Such a good boy!

Thank you, Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart Facility Dog “Hitch” for your eight years of dedicated and lovable service to the clients in the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Specialty Courts🐾

🦴Enjoy your retirement, you will be missed🦴

For more information on our TIM Courts, please visit:

https://19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/1167/Therapeutic-Intensive-Monitoring-TIM-Uni

Today, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois and our justice partners with Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, and the Lake County Public Defender's Office welcomed our employee's children into the Courthouse by hosting "Bring Your Child to Work Day."

The kids were welcomed by Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes and Judge Reginald C. Mathews, before watching a brief mock trial that was presided over by Judge George D. Strickland.

The children then were able to watch a demonstration with K9 Grip from the State's Attorney's Office. Grip is trained in electronics detection.

The annual program is a wonderful way for parents to show their children how the Courts work and what they do each day to serve the people of Lake County.

Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Lake County, IL Government

Yesterday, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois' Judges Bishop, Fix, Lombardo, and Novak participated in Senator Dan McConchie's Youth Advisory Council by speaking with the students about the third branch of government, the judiciary, specialty courts, and inviting them to attend a Drug Court Graduation.

The students were also able to hear from Lake County IL Sheriff's Office Deputy Stancioiu and K9 Drako, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, the 19th Judicial Circuit's Self-Represented Litigant Coordinator, and A Safe Place/Lake County Crisis Center.

Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association Lake County Bar Association

LIBERTY BELL AWARD WINNERS HONORED

On Tuesday, April 16th, 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Deputy Chief Judge Patricia S. Fix welcomed guests during the Lake County Bar Association luncheon meeting while Circuit Judges Reginald C. Mathews and Jorge L. Ortiz presented the Liberty Bell Awards at the event held at Waukegan City Hall. Each year, the 19th Judicial Circuit presents Liberty Bell Awards to an individual and an organization for their outstanding service and dedication in furthering the administration of justice. In Lake County, the Liberty Bell Awards are presented in memory of Judge Thomas R. Smoker, a Lake County judge who passed away in 2004.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/fzd9ahm3

Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association

On Saturday, April 13th, 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Circuit Judges Victoria A. Rossetti and Patricia S. Fix were honored to have been invited to participate in the Lake Zurich Girl Scout Democracy Badge Bash.

A wonderful opportunity for the Girl Scouts to learn about the branches of government, including the judiciary, and meet with Illinois State Representative Nabeela Syed, the youngest State Rep. in the history of Illinois.

Well done, Scouts!

Lake County Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois Lake County, IL Government

Thank you, CASA Lake County!

For more information on how to become a CASA advocate, please visit: https://www.casalakecounty.com

We'd like to give a warm welcome and congratulations to our newest members of the CASA family! These wonderful people completed their pre-service training and were sworn-in as advocates by 19th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Marni M. Slavin this morning. We are so grateful for the commitment they have taken to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care in Lake County.

To learn more, apply to become a volunteer, or make a donation in support of our work, please visit: www.casalakecounty.com

NOTICE OF VACANCIES

ASSOCIATE JUDGE – 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois

Authorization pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 39 has been received by the Chief Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit to post a notice of vacancies for associate judge. The associate judge positions are the result of the retirements of the Honorable Raymond D. Collins and the Honorable Charles D. Johnson, Associate Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, effective July 12, 2024. Applications are now being accepted for these vacancies which will be filled by vote of the Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/4pk49h6s

Lake County Bar Association Illinois State Bar Association Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois

NINETEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chief Judge Daniel B. Shanes is pleased to announce that Karl Walldorf will join the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit as Executive Director on April 29, 2024.

Mr. Walldorf has extensive experience in local government leadership and public safety. He began his career as a patrol officer with the Lake Forest Police Department in 1994, ultimately rising to Chief of Police in 2016. In that role, he managed a diverse staff with an annual budget of $14 million. In addition, Karl regularly engaged with local elected officials on topics ranging from budgets, operational issues, facilities, and capital projects. As part of those duties, Karl successfully negotiated and administered four separate collective bargaining contracts.

"The Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit conducted a nationwide search for an Executive Director over several months. Our Court's many successes are due to the talents and dedication of the outstanding professionals who work for our Circuit Court. Mr. Walldorf's proven track record of successful organizational administration and effective leadership made him the clear choice to help lead our Circuit Court in the years ahead. Karl has experience, strong managerial skills, and an exceptional understanding of our judicial system. He recognizes the importance of building and maintaining trust and confidence in the courts with the public, justice partners, and employees. We look forward to Karl joining the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit," said Chief Judge Shanes.

To continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/ye2bxcze

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Lake County Bar Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association Lake County, IL Government

IJA's March Spotlight is 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Judge Reginald Mathews. Outside of the courtroom, Judge Mathews sets an example for all of us by taking action to serve the community and the judiciary. Learn more about Judge Mathews at https://ija.memberclicks.net/pro-bono-spotlight-mathews
Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI)

19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois HOSTS SELF REPRESENTED LITIGANT PROGRAM

Members of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts (AOIC) Access to Justice Division’s Court Navigator Network spent the day in Lake County to learn about Self Represented Litigant (SRL) programs and initiatives. Guests observed the SRL family law courtroom and SRL guardianship court call and engaged in discussions about access to justice. Attendees consisted of other circuit court and state employees from the northern half of Illinois who share a commitment to access to justice, including Illinois Justice Corps fellows, court navigators, circuit clerk staff, trial court administrators, and law librarians.

To continue to read: https://shorturl.at/mnAEM

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Today, 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois Circuit Judge Christen L. Bishop hosted a group of homeschool students for a courtroom overview in collaboration with the employees of the Court, the Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart along with K9 Hitch, the Lake County Public Defender’s Office, the Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein, and the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office.

Illinois Judges Association
Lake County Bar Association
Lake County, IL Government
Supreme Court of Illinois
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Court Reporting Services - State of Illinois
Duo

On March 8, 2024, Circuit Judge Michael G. Nerheim of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois read “George Washington and the General’s Dog” by Frank Murphy to the second grade students in Amber Rinkenberger’s class, Krystyna Jakielski’s class and Tracy Monroe’s class at Woodland Community Consolidated School District #50 in furtherance of the Illinois Judges Association’s One Book, One Judge, One Goal program.

THE 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois' 25th ANNUAL LAW MERIT BADGE PROGRAM

Scouts arrived at the courthouse in the early morning of Saturday, March 2nd, anticipating learning about the rule of law and how laws are designed to protect our fundamental rights. The Law Merit Badge program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Circuit Judge Joseph V. Salvi, Associate Judge Daniel L. Jasica, Associate Judge Christopher B. Morozin, employees of the 19th Judicial Circuit, the Lake County IL Sheriff's Office, the Lake County Illinois Coroner's Office, Office of Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart, the Lake County Public Defender's Office, the Lake County IL Clerk of the Circuit Court, Erin Cartwright Weinstein, Lake County Adult Probation, and in conjunction with the Northeast Illinois Council, Boy Scouts of America

Illinois Judges Association Supreme Court of Illinois Illinois State Bar Association Lake County, IL Government

To continue reading: https://shorturl.at/cO056