Theis Taps Committee To Vet Potential Circuit Court Picks
From the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis appointed a committee Friday to screen candidates for interim vacancies on the Cook County Circuit Court.
Wayne R. Andersen, a former U.S. District Court judge and Michael J. Gallagher, a former 1st District Appellate Court justice, will head the 14-member panel.
"The committee is composed of top-notch people — diverse and highly qualified," Theis said in a statement. "I am sure their dedication and insight will be invaluable to me."
Theis won election to a full 10-year term on the high court in November.
When interim vacancies occur on the circuit court, the three justices from Cook County take turns recommending candidates for appointment. The full seven-member court signs off on judicial appointments.
Andersen, who also served as a Cook County circuit judge and as the Traffic Court's supervising judge, presumes Theis will forward candidates' names to the committee for screening.
That group will then review bar group evaluations of the candidates and will likely interview the lawyers and call attorneys they worked with or against on cases.
The committee will forward its findings to Theis, who will then recommend candidates for appointment by the full court.
"It is not our job to find judicial candidates," said Andersen, who now works with JAMS Inc.
"I see the committee as reporting to (Theis) as to whether someone is well qualified, not whether they should actually be appointed."
The committee will look for candidates who are "empathetic and get a sense of fulfillment out of resolving problems," he said.
Read more in our daily News Update...
From the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Jane Theis appointed a committee Friday to screen candidates for interim vacancies on the Cook County Circuit Court.
Wayne R. Andersen, a former U.S. District Court judge and Michael J. Gallagher, a former 1st District Appellate Court justice, will head the 14-member panel.
"The committee is composed of top-notch people — diverse and highly qualified," Theis said in a statement. "I am sure their dedication and insight will be invaluable to me."
Theis won election to a full 10-year term on the high court in November.
When interim vacancies occur on the circuit court, the three justices from Cook County take turns recommending candidates for appointment. The full seven-member court signs off on judicial appointments.
Andersen, who also served as a Cook County circuit judge and as the Traffic Court's supervising judge, presumes Theis will forward candidates' names to the committee for screening.
That group will then review bar group evaluations of the candidates and will likely interview the lawyers and call attorneys they worked with or against on cases.
The committee will forward its findings to Theis, who will then recommend candidates for appointment by the full court.
"It is not our job to find judicial candidates," said Andersen, who now works with JAMS Inc.
"I see the committee as reporting to (Theis) as to whether someone is well qualified, not whether they should actually be appointed."
The committee will look for candidates who are "empathetic and get a sense of fulfillment out of resolving problems," he said.
Read more in our daily News Update...