“Since the Supreme Court first committed itself to making ongoing education an integral part of judicial service, we have depended on the contributions of committee volunteers to help us understand what needs to be done and how we should do it,” Karmeier said.

“For decades, the members of the Judicial Conference Committee on Education have done an extraordinary job in assisting the court in developing the appropriate and effective training programs. As Illinois now moves into a new era with creation of the Judicial College, the court will look to the College’s Board of Trustees and these standing committees to take over that vital role and to guide us in the development and implementation of programs that will benefit everyone who serves the judicial branch, staff as well as judges.”

Established in January 2016, the Judicial College is designed to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational programs and professional development training to the state’s judges and Judicial Branch employees. This will include identifying opportunities to enhance the efficient and effective administration of justice.

The Illinois Judicial College consists of a seven-member Board of Trustees and six standing committees.

“The Illinois Supreme Court created the Judicial College to ensure all of our justice partners are committed to bringing access to justice and procedural fairness to the people of Illinois,” said Justice Mary Jane Theis, who serves as Ex Officio to the Judicial College. “A robust training program will enhance public trust and confidence in the integrity of the justice system.”

The Committee on Judicial Education will deliver education and training for all Illinois judges, including identifying issues that may impact decision making and court administration by Illinois judges. COJE will recommend and develop continuing education opportunities for both new and experienced Illinois Judges.

The COJE consists of 28 members who are all Illinois judges. The Hon. Robert J. Anderson of DuPage County will serve as chair with the Hon. Robert C. Bollinger of Macon County serving as vice chair.

“Cooperation and collaboration form the foundation for the Illinois Judicial College. Learning from each other, sharing resources and insights, we can better serve the citizens of Illinois,” said Cook County Associate Judge Thomas M. Donnelly, who serves as chair of the Judicial College Board. “If judges and those who help judges do justice listen to each other and learn from each other, we will come closer to realizing equal justice under law for all Illinoisans.”

Inaugural members of standing committees will serve varied staggered terms.”The members of these six committees were identified among the leaders in our justice system and were selected for their skills, experience and passion to serve the College in meeting its charge and purpose,” said Michael J. Tardy, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, who also serves as Ex Officio to the Judicial College. “We greatly appreciate the time and commitment that will be required to achieve our collective goals.”

The full rosters for each committee are available on the courts website under the new Judicial College tab on the Illinois Courts website.

In May, Hull also was selected to serve on a Special Supreme Court Advisory Committee For Justice and Mental Health Planning.

SOURCE: 16th Judicial Court news release, Supreme Court of Illinois news release