The circuit judges of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit have selected four finalists, out of a field of 24, for the two open positions for associate judge. The four finalists are, Keith Johnson, James Tabor, Todd Tarter and Mark Wade.

Keith Johnson was admitted to the practice of law in 1995 and began his legal career with the Kane County States Attorney’s Office. He moved to the Law Office of Smith Amundsen LLC in 2000 and is currently with the Law Office of Speers, Reuland & Cibulskis.

Johnson is an undergraduate of the University of Illinois and received his Law Degree from Northern Illinois University.

James Tabor was admitted to the practice of law in 1995 and began his legal career with the Kane County Public Defender’s Office. From there he was an associate with the office of Schwartz, Vanek and Weiler and then worked in the office of Shaw Jacobs and Associates. He has been a Partner in Tabor Law Offices P.C. since 2003.

Tabor has his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and his Law Degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

Todd Tarter began his legal career in 1987 with the DuPage County States Attorney’s Office. He later became a partner with the Law Office of Querrey and Harrow in Geneva. He then moved to the offices of O’Hagen, Smith and Amundsen and is currently a partner in the office of Chilton Yambert Porter LLP.

Tarter received his undergraduate degree from Illinois State University and is a graduate from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing Michigan.

Mark Wade was admitted to practice law in 1983 and has worked as the Corporate Counsel for the City of Aurora and with the Office of the Kane County States Attorney. In 2013 he opened a solo practice in Aurora and well as being, “Of Counsel” with the Offices of Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi and Andersson.

Wade received his undergraduate degree from Blackburn College is and is a graduate of the Chicago-Kent Law School.

The circuit judges are awaiting their final ballots which when completed will be returned to the Illinois Supreme Court in Springfield for tallying. The Supreme Court will then notify Chief Judge Susan Boles of the results.

SOURCE: 16th District Circuit Court news release