Press Release |
Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today announced he is forming a committee of judges to study and make recommendations on the Circuit Court’s New Judges’ Seminar program.
Members of the Committee on New Judges’ Seminar appointed thus far are:
- Honorable James P. Flannery, Jr., a trial judge in Law Division, Committee Co-Chair
- Honorable Shelley Sutker-Dermer, Presiding Judge of the Second Municipal District, Committee Co-Chair
- Honorable Themis N. Karnezis, Justice, Appellate Court of Illinois, First District
- Honorable Walter Williams, Supervising Judge, Traffic Section, First Municipal District
- Honorable Diann K. Marsalek, assigned to the Traffic Section, First Municipal District
- Honorable LaGuina Clay-Herron, assigned to the County Division
Chief Judge Evans said, “I have asked those of my colleagues to thoroughly review the current curriculum and training procedures. I look to them to recommend how we can continue to ensure that the training we provide to judges joining the court system remains on the cutting edge, especially in light of the use of technology within the system and the courtroom.” He added he will ask other persons to serve on the Committee as he deems necessary.
Chief Judge Evans noted that Judge Walter Williams will retire from the bench on November 30, 2012, but will continue as a member of the committee. He said he will appoint Justice Themis N. Karnezis to replace Judge Williams as Supervising Judge of the First Municipal District’s Traffic Section when his term as an Appellate Justice ends on November 30, 2012.
The Circuit Court of Cook County’s New Judges’ Seminar is presented immediately following the swearing-in of newly elected circuit judges and newly appointed associate judges. This year, the seminar will convene on December 4, 2012, that day after judges elected in the November 6 General Election are sworn in.
Chief Judge Evans thanked former Illinois Appellate Justice Warren D. Wolfson, who stepped down after years serving as the chairperson of the New Judges’ Seminar program, for his invaluable guidance and service. Evans also noted that Melanie Wheeler, of his staff, will continue to help coordinate the program.
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