Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Will Cnty. 1.02

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 1.02 - Office of the Chief Judge

A. Selection of the Chief Judge

The Circuit Judges shall elect by secret ballot a Chief Judge from their number to serve at their pleasure. The election of the Chief Judge shall be held after the general election and on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of December on each even year thereafter at a meeting to be called by the Chief Judge for that purpose.

B. Election Ballot, Election Committee, Majority Vote

Whenever a Chief Judge is to be selected, a ballot containing the names of all Circuit Judges, arranged alphabetically, shall be given to each Circuit Judge, who shall indicate thereon the Judge for whom he votes as Chief Judge. An election committee appointed by the Chief Judge shall canvas the votes. If on any ballot a Judge receives the votes of a majority of the Circuit Judges of this Circuit, that Judge shall be declared elected as Chief Judge.

C. Removal of Chief Judge

A majority of such Circuit Judges may at any time, by written order, call a meeting of the Judges at a time and place stated for the purpose of considering the removal of the Chief Judge then in office. A copy of such order shall be delivered, or mailed, postage prepaid, to each Judge not joining in it, at least five (5) days before the fixed time for the meeting. At such meeting, the Judges shall vote by ballot on the question. "Shall the present Chief Judge be removed from office?" If a majority of such Judges vote in the affirmative, the Chief Judge is thereby removed from office and the Judges shall thereupon proceed to select one of the Circuit Judges to serve as new Chief Judge to take office at once.

D. Resignation of Chief Judge

If the Chief Judge shall at any time desire to resign, he shall call a meeting of Circuit Judges and present his resignation. If the resignation is accepted, the Judges shall thereupon proceed to select one of the Circuit Judges to serve as new Chief Judge, to take office at once.

E. Vacancy in Office of the Chief Judge Should the office of Chief Judge at any time become vacant by any cause not otherwise provided for in this Rule, the Circuit Judges designated as such by Rule of this Court shall call a meeting of the Judges for the purpose of filling the vacancy and at such meeting a new Chief Judge shall be selected to take office at once.

F. General Administrative Authority of the Chief Judge

The Chief Judge may enter general and administrative orders in the exercise of his general administrative authority, including orders providing for assignment of Judges, general or specialized divisions, and times and places of holding court.

1. Administrative and General Orders

Copies of all administrative and general orders enacted by the Chief Judge shall be filed with the Circuit Clerk who shall maintain them as permanent Court records which shall be available for inspection as public documents.

2. Nepotism

In order to further the public confidence in the integrity and fairness of the Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, the Chief Judge shall avoid the hiring of persons who are related by blood or marriage to current employees of the Circuit Court.

G. Election to the Office of Associate Judge

Election to the office of Associate Judge will be in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 39 and the additional local procedures set forth herein:

1. After applications are closed pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 39, the Chief Judge shall make the names of the applicant's public for a period of 14 days to allow for public comment. All such public comment shall be in writing and addressed to the Office of the Chief Judge. The Chief Judge's office shall make a packet of all such public comment available to each Circuit Judge prior to a formal interview process.

2. During the time for public comment, the Chief Judge's office shall do a background investigation on each candidate, including but not limited to Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) Records, LEADS and other pertinent records.

3. The Circuit Judges shall conduct an interview with each candidate. If a candidate has been interviewed within the previous 24 months, no additional interview will be necessary.

4. Other than the formal interview conducted by the Circuit Judges, no candidate shall contact any Circuit Judge either directly or indirectly to discuss his or her application. No one other than the candidate shall make contact with a Circuit Judge regarding the application of a particular candidate other than to make the public comment as set forth in paragraph 1.

5. After the interviews, public comment and background checks provided for herein, the Circuit Judges shall meet to discuss the candidate's qualifications and conduct a straw poll.

6. The actual vote shall be in accord with Supreme Court Rule 39.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Will Cnty. 1.02

Effective 11/30/2015; Revised 10/1/2023.