DuPage County Chief Judge Kenneth L. Popejoy announced today that beginning February 1, 2021, all traffic courts will resume in-person proceedings with two traffic courts being held in new locations.

First, a traffic court will be held at the Glendale Heights facility located at 300 Civic Centre Plaza. All municipalities and agencies which were previously assigned to the former Addison Traffic Court, except Hanover Park, have been reassigned by Administrative Order into Glendale Heights Traffic Court.  These municipalities and agencies are: Addison, Bensenville, Elmhurst, ICC, Illinois State Police District #2, Itasca, Oak Brook, O'Hare, Villa Park, and Wood Dale.

In addition, Hanover Park will be reassigned into courtroom 1003 in the main courthouse and Glendale Heights will be reassigned from the main courthouse into the Glendale Heights Traffic Court. The Circuit Clerk will send notices by mail to all parties of these new traffic court locations.

"When the Village of Addison closed its traffic court due to COVID-19 concerns in May, we temporarily relocated it into meeting rooms on the first floor of the main courthouse. Working closely with the DuPage County Board and Village of Glendale Heights, we are now able to make traffic court more efficient and convenient for the public, law enforcement and the municipalities. We are extremely grateful to the County Board and Village of Glendale Heights officials for providing us with this excellent facility for traffic court," said Chief Judge Kenneth L. Popejoy.

A second traffic court, most recently held at the American Legion Hall in Downers Grove, will be relocated into the main courthouse at 505 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton. All municipalities and agencies previously assigned to the former Downers Grove Traffic Court have been reassigned by Administrative Order to courtroom 1002 in the main courthouse in Wheaton. These municipalities and agencies are: Downers Grove, Illinois State Police Districts 3, 5 and 15, Hinsdale, Westmont, Darien, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Oakbrook Terrace, Lemont, Woodridge, BNSF Railroad, Lisle/Woodridge Fire District, Willowbrook, Bolingbrook and Illinois Benedictine.

"We are extremely grateful to the American Legion for hosting our traffic court in their facility in Downers Grove for many years. However, both fiscal and security needs required us to find a new location. While every effort was made by the DuPage County Board to try and keep the traffic court in the same region of the County, it became apparent that the most prudent fiscal and security based solution was to move the traffic court into the main courthouse" said Chief Judge Kenneth L. Popejoy.

With these moves, all four DuPage County traffic courts will now have proper entry security with trained Sheriff’s deputies and the use of magnetometers.

Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin is pleased to announce that following a meeting of the Circuit Judges of the 18th Judicial Circuit, four finalists for the Office of Associate Judge have been selected and certified to the Illinois Supreme Court. The finalists are seeking to fill two vacancies for the Office of Associate Judge of the 18^th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, Illinois. These vacancies are the result of the appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court of Associate Judge Michael W. Reidy to the position of circuit judge, effective August 10,2020, and from an additional associate judgeship allocated by statute, 705 IL CS 45/2.4.

Louis B. Aranda, J.D.- University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, WI, 1990; admitted to the practice of law in Illinois, 1991. Mr. Aranda is a Partner in Hunt, Aranda & Subach, Ltd. in Bensenville, IL (2015-present). Before that, he was a Partner at Hunt, Kaiser, Aranda & Subach, Ltd. in Bensenville, IL (2000-2015); a Partner at Hunt, Kaiser, Bush & Aranda, Ltd. in Bensenville, IL (1994-2000) and an Associate at Kupisch & Hunt, Ltd., Bensenville IL (1991-1994). Mr. Aranda is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois, and The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Leah M. Bendik, J.D. - University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, IL 2002; admitted to the practice of law in Illinois, 2002. Ms. Bendik is currently an Assistant Attorney General, Supervising Attorney for the Illinois Attorney General's Office, Criminal Appeals Division (2004 - present). Prior to that, she was a Judicial Law Clerk for Justice Rita B. Garman, Illinois Supreme Court (2002-2004). Ms. Bendik is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association and the Appellate Lawyers Association.

Michael H. Burton, J.D. - DePaul University College of Law, Chicago, IL, 1998, admitted to the practice of law in Illinois, 1998. Mr. Burton is an Associate / Lead Attorney at Santana Law and Associates in Northlake, IL (2001 - present). Prior to that, he was an Assistant State's Attorney with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in Maywood, f L (1998 2001). Mr. Burton is an active member of the West Suburban Bar Association and the American Bar Association. 

Demetrios N. Panoushis, J.D. - IIT Chicago-Kent College of I-aw, Chicago, IL (2000), admitted to the practice of law in Illinois, 2001, Mr. Panoushis is a Partner in Marquardt & Belmonte PC (2003 - present). Prior to that, Mr. Panoushis was an Assistant State's Attorney with the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office in Wheaton, IL (2001 - 2003). Mr. Panoushis is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

HONORABLE KENNETH L. POPEJOY ELECTED AS CHIEF JUDGE

At their September 29, 2020 meeting, the Circuit Judges of the 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, unanimously elected Circuit Judge Kenneth L. Popejoy to the position of Chief Judge. Judge Popejoy's term as Chief Judge will commence on December 7, 2020. Judge Popejoy will succeed Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin.

Kenneth L. Popejoy is a graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Michigan State University and Glenbard West High School. He is the son of former DuPage County Bar Association President (1965), Charley Popejoy He was appointed an Associate Judge in 1997 and was elected a Circuit Judge in 2004. Judge Popejoy currently presides over cases in the Law Division of the 18^th Judicial Circuit.

Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin announced September 1st that applications for two (2) Associate Judge positions of the 18th Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, Illinois have been received from those on the list below. The vacancies result from the appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court of Associate Judge Michael W. Reidy to the position of Circuit Judge, effective August 10,2020 and from an additional associate judgeship allocated by statute, 705 ILCS 45/2.4.

As part of the review process conducted by the Circuit Judges, Chief Judge Guerin invites public comment concerning the applicants by e-mail at daniel.guerin@l8thjudicial.org or by letter on or before September 16, 2020 to:

Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin
18th Judicial Circuit
505 N. County Farm Road, Room 2015
Wheaton, IL 60187

The DCBA's Judiciary Committee will provide their ratings of these applicants to the Circuit Judges as well. The committee asks the general membership for input on the applicants' qualifications. Please send written comments via email by12:00pmon Friday, September 18, 2020 to:

Stacey A. McCullough, DCBA Judiciary Committee Chair
judiciary@dcba.org

No information for which the source is "Anonymous" will be considered by the committee, and all information received by the committee shall be confidential within the committee except to the extent Section V.H. of the Judiciary Committee Procedures* requires disclosure to the applicant. 

Applicants to be Considered

Gregory J. Abbott, Louis B. Aranda, Leah M. Bendik, Michael H. Burton, Sharon R. Fairley, John L. Fioti,Bruce E. Garner,Scott A. Herbert, Patrick B. Hurley, John P. Kelly, Daniel J. Kordik, Ronald D. Menna, Jr., Joseph Miller, III, Louisa J, Nuckolls, Jeremiah K. O'Connor, Tracy L. Olsen, Demetrios N. Panoushis, John J. Pcolinski, Jr., Michele S. Schroeder, Robert F. Stanker, Richard J. Veenstra and James A. Webb

*Section V.B. provides that the committee will use due diligence to disclose to a candidate any negative information received by the Judiciary Committee regarding that candidate, and the candidate shall have a right to respond.

To unsubscribe from future announcements, please visit: @@unsubscribe_url@@

Chief Judge Daniel P. Guerin announces that the Court is accepting applications to fill two (2) vacancies for the Office of Associate Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit. The vacancies result from the appointment by the Illinois Supreme Court of Associate Judge Michael W. Reidy to the position of circuit judge effective August 10, 2020, and from an additional associate judgeship allocated by statute, 705 ILCS 45/2.4.

Any attorney, who is a United States citizen, is licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois, and is a resident of the 18th Judicial Circuit may apply by electronically filing a signed application with the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts on the form prescribed and furnished by the Director. The instructions for submitting an application electronically are available on the Supreme Court's website:

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov

If unable to submit an application electronically, an applicant must submit two [2J signed originals of the prescribed application with the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts at the address listed below;

Marcia M. Meis, Director
Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts
3101 Old Jacksonville Road
Springfield, IL 62704-6488

Whether electronically filed, mailed or hand delivered, all applications must be received in the Administrative Office within 30 days after the date of this Notice. If filed electronically, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2020. If mailed or hand delivered, the deadline is 5:00 p.m on Friday August 28, 2020. A form for application may be obtained from either the Chief Judge's Office, the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts or from the Illinois Supreme Court website:

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov and download from the documents/application/forms link.

Applications will not be accepted if submitted via facsimile.

From the DCBA Judiciary Committee:

Those applicants who wish to be rated by the DuPage County Bar Association Judiciary Committee must submit an electronic copy of their application to the DCBA Executive Director at rrupp@dcba.org by Wednesday, September 2, 2020. Candidates are encouraged to remove their social security information from the application before submitting it to DCBA. 

Any prior ratings issued by the Judiciary Committee expire 24 months following the interview/rating date.  Candidates with a current rating need not submit applications unless requesting a new interview from the Committee.

These court calls share numerous similarities in outlook, structure, use of evidence-based practices, coordination with multiple stakeholders, and goals emphasizing rehabilitation and restorative justice principles. Therefore,  rather than the calls being assigned to three different divisions and presiding judges, they will now be assigned to one division supervised by one presiding judge.  While this change will not effect how case filings are assigned or the physical location of the courtrooms, it will allow for more direct and improved communication regarding the daily operations of the calls and for implementing future plans and objectives.

Based on her prior experience with these types of court calls as an assistant state’s attorney, presiding judge of the Misdemeanor & Traffic Division, Circuit Judge, and the presiding judge of the Family Violence Coordinating Council, Circuit Judge Ann Celine O. Walsh is named the presiding judge of the Specialty and Juvenile Courts Division.  Also, she is appointed to the Executive Committee of the 18^th Judicial Circuit.

Read the full order 20-21 here.

A schedule of courtrooms for all Divisions was released March 18th by Chief Judge Daniel Guerin.  In his release, the Chief Judge noted "these schedules are subject to change based on the constantly evolving situation we are facing."

View the full schedule here.

"Justice Thomas was the Chief when I joined the court and he cultivated a welcoming and professional environment. His great sense of humor made a challenging job more enjoyable for everyone," Chief Justice Anne M. Burke said. "He led key court initiatives in the areas of professionalism, civility, continuing legal education and transparency. On behalf of the Supreme Court and the entire Judicial Branch, we thank him for his service to the judiciary and wish him the best in the next stage of his storied career."

"It has been a great honor and privilege to have served on the Illinois Supreme Court as well as on the appellate and circuit courts over the past32 years," Justice Thomas said. "While I will miss the collegial atmosphere with my colleagues on the court, I am ready to return to the practice of law and help clients achieve justice." Justice Thomas continued, "I am especially grateful for the support and hard work of my staff. I've had the same team working with me for nearly 20 years - my administrative assistant Vicki Kravcar, and my law clerks Mick Penosky, Shannon Sullivan, Craig Belford, and John Werner. They're the best team any judge could ask for, and I will miss working alongside them." Justice Thomas will join the Power Rogers law firm where he will practice with his son, Jonathan. Justice Thomas was represented by firm co-founder Joe Power in a successful 2006 defamation case against the Kane County Chronicle.

"The Lord has truly blessed me. Starting with my fantastic wife, Maggie, three great kids, Brendan, Jonathan and Jessica, and eight soon to be nine grandchildren. With a football career that included a National Championship at Notre Dame and 10 years with the Chicago Bears," Justice Thomas said. "With the tremendous honor and privilege of serving as Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. And now, the opportunity to practice law at Power and Rogers with my son, Jonathan, alongside the best trial lawyer in the country, my close friend, Joe Power. I have been truly blessed." 

"I am honored to have represented Justice Thomas as a client and I'm thrilled that he is joining our firm as a partner," Power said. "He has become a very good friend and I will treasure having him around the office. Bob has a well-deserved reputation as a brilliant jurist, but unfortunately due to our friendship and my representation of him I was never privileged to argue a case in front of him. But nevertheless, I will now enjoy practicing law with him."

The Supreme Court has constitutional authority to fill interim judicial vacancies and has appointed Appellate Justice Michael J. Burke to fill Justice Thomas' seat effective March I through Dec. 5, 2022. Justice Burke has been a member of the Second District Appellate Court since 2008. DuPage County Circuit Judge Liam Brennan has been assigned to the Second District Appellate Court, effective March 2 through Dec.5,2022.

Justice Thomas was born in Rochester, New York. He received his B.A. in Government from the University of Notre Dame in 1974, and was named an Academic All-American that same year. For three seasons, Justice Thomas was the starting placekicker for the University of Notre Dame football team. In the 1973 Sugar Bowl, Justice Thomas kicked the winning field goal in Notre Dame's 24-23 victory over the University of Alabama, thereby clinching the AP National Championship for the lrish.

Following his graduation from Notre Dame, Justice Thomas played 12 seasons in the National Football League, 10 of them with the Chicago Bears. In the 1977 season, Justice Thomas kicked a 28-yard overtime field goal that sent the Bears to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years, and he remains the fourth leading scorer in Chicago Bears history.

Justice Thomas' unique career in both football and the law will be highlighted in the soon-to-be released biography, A View From Two Benches: Bob Thomas in Football and the Law. Renowned sportswriter Doug Feldman and former Bears head coach Mike Ditka (foreword) chronicle how Justice Thomas reached the top of two distinct professions. It is available for presale on Amazon.  While still playing for the Chicago Bears, Justice Thomas enrolled in and attended Loyola University School of Law, where he often was seen studying after practice and between games. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1981, and he spent the next seven years in private civil practice with several firms.

In 1988, Justice Thomas was elected Circuit Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of DuPage County. While with the Circuit Court, Justice Thomas presided over civil jury trials and was appointed acting Chief Judge from 1989 to 1994. In 1994, Justice Thomas was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court for the Second Judicial District, where he continued to serve until his election to the Illinois Supreme Court in November 2000.

"Justice Thomas has been a great colleague and, although we did not always agree on every issue that came before the Court, we became and remained good friends who respected each other and our differing perspectives," Justice Lloyd A. Karmeier said. "His departure will be a great loss for the Court, for the People of Illinois, and for me, personally. Members of the bar will remember him for his clear thinking, insightful analysis and forceful writing. Those of us who served with him will miss him for his good humor, collegiality, and intellectual thinking."

Justice Karmeier continued, "Bob was unwavering in his dedication to the highest standards of professional and civic responsibility. He was utterly committed to protecting and improving our system of justice. His faith in the potential of the court system was infectious. He was always certain we could do better, and because of that certainty, we usually did. It has been a privilege to serve with him."

Justice Thomas was elected by his colleagues on the Supreme Court to serve as Chief Justice from 2005-2008, making him the first Chief Justice from DuPage County in the Court's nearly 200-year history. Upon his installation as Chief Justice, Thomas acknowledged the path that had brought him there: "Having served in both the trial court and the appellate court, I will never lose sight of the fact that the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court represent a mere sliver of the work that occupies the Illinois courts. Every day, in courtrooms from Lake County to Alexander County, decisions are rendered that will never be published, will never make headlines, and will never be reviewed by the Illinois Supreme Court. But these decisions are important, nonetheless. For they, as much as any decision rendered by the Illinois Supreme Court, affect the lives of real people." Thomas then committed himself to "serving the cause of justice, to walking humbly, and to never losing sight of the tremendous privilege that it is to wear the judicial robe, and to serve the people of this State."

The Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism promotes principles of integrity and civility among all Illinois lawyers and judges. "You hear a lot about how the practice of law is different now than in days past when a lawyer's handshake meant something and a lawyer's word was his bond," Justice Thomas said when recommending the Committee. "That may be an oversimplification, but in this day and age with competition in the profession for dollars and clients, activities sometimes degenerate into a Rambo-style, win-at-all cost attitude by attorneys."

Also during Justice Thomas's tenure as Chief Justice, the Court gave special attention to the implementation of information technologies that advance the services and functions of the Illinois courts. Among the most visible improvements was the streaming of the Court's oral arguments in video and audio format on the Court's website. The arguments are posted on the website shortly after they are formally heard by the Supreme Court.

Justice Thomas's tenure as Chief Justice also saw the Illinois Supreme Court implement for the very first time a program of mandatory continuing legal education for all active Illinois lawyers and judges.

In his time on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Thomas has authored numerous notable opinions, including People v. Lerma (2016), which held that expert testimony concerning the reliability of eyewitness identifications is appropriate in certain cases; DeHart v. DeHart (2013), which for the first time recognized the theory of equitable adoption in Illinois; Ryan v. The Board of Trustees of the General Assembly Retirement System (2010), which held that, as a result of his multiple federal felony convictions, former Governor George H. Ryan had forfeited the pensions he earned while serving in the General Assembly and as Lieutenant Governor; and People ex rel. Madigan v. Snyder (2005), which affirmed the constitutionality of former Governor Ryan's grant of "blanket clemency" to all 167 of Illinois' death row inmates. "I can't imagine a better legal education than serving alongside Justice Thomas these past 20 years," said Thomas's law clerk, Craig Belford. "He has authored hundreds of decisions spanning every facet of Illinois law, and his influence will be felt long after he's left the court."

Justice Thomas was named DuPage County Bar Association's Lawyer of the Year in 2001. In 2005, the Illinois Judges Association honored him with their "Professionalism Award." He received Loyola University's Distinguished Jurist Award in 2006 and was named "Judge of the Year" in 2008 by the Illinois Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.

In 1999, the NCAA Honors Committee selected Justice Thomas for the prestigious NCAA Silver Anniversary award, which recognizes former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves since completing their college athletics career 25 years ago. In September 2012, he was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame. Justice Thomas and his wife, Maggie, reside in Glen Ellyn. They have three children and eight grandchildren with another on the way.

Justice Michael Burke began his career in the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office in 1983, becoming Chief of the Special Prosecutions Unit in 1991. He joined the judiciary as an Associate Judge in 1992. He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2001 and elected in 2002. Justice Burke is noted for his extensive involvement in his community and profession. He has consistently received a high approval rating from the Illinois State Bar Association and the DuPage County Bar Association. He graduated with highest distinction from John Marshall Law School and Magna Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University.

Judge Brennan began his career in private practice before joining Illinois Supreme Court Justice James D. Heiple's office as Senior Law Clerk. He joined the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office in 1998, becoming Supervisor of the Child Abuse/Domestic Violence Unit in 2007. Judge Brennan became an Associate Judge in 2008 and a Circuit Judge in2014, where he currently serves as Presiding Judge of the Felony Division. He received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago and his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame.

-30-

(FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Chris Bonjean, Communications Director to the Illinois Supreme Court at 312.793.2323or cbonjean@illinoiscourts.qov.)

Presiding Judge Timothy J. McJoynt

Expiration of Previous Approved Guardian Ad Litem List

On January 31, 2020 a new approved Guardian Ad Litem list will be in effect.  To begin, this list will include all individuals previously on the GAL approved list who completed BOTH DAYS of the live seminars held November 15^th and 16^th.  If you completed both days of training and were previously on the list, you do not need to take any further action.

Video of this seminar will be open on-line through the DCBA and IICLE if you were unable to attend the program in whole or in part.  If you were previously on the list and complete the online training before January 31, you will not need to take any further action once you have completed the course and received your certificate of completion from IICLE.

Anyone not attending the 11/15 and 11/16 training but who received certification from an approved GAL training programs in other counties or from the ISBA within the last 2 years and who was previously on the list is eligible to stay on the list. However the court asks that you submit a copy of your certificate from that training to Olga Castillo at Olga.castillo@18thjudicial.org.

NEW GAL APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE - Anyone who was not on the list previously and has completed training through any of the means mentioned above must fill out an application which is available through the DCBA website. You may also contact Olga Castillo at Olga.castillo@18thjudicial.org for the application or with any questions.  

Help Desk Volunteers Needed for January

Volunteer attorneys are needed for the Family Law Pro Se Help Desk in January.  This desk is staffed from 10:30 – 1:00 PM on Monday’s and Wednesday’s.  Please sign up at window in Domestic Relations Reception with Olga. 

New Evaluation Rule

Amendments have been made to Local Rule 15.16 as follows:

15. 16 Evaluation Program

1. Payment of Fees- The evaluator's hourly fees and the amount of the advance deposit shall be set from time to time by the Chief Judge, the Presiding Judge and the Acting Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division. The hourly rate shall be $225 $250 per hour, with a maximum charge, excluding testifying at deposition and/or trial, of $7785 $10,000. The evaluation fee shall include up to thirty five (35) forty (40) forty hours for sessions, costs of testing, analysis, and for preparation of the report. The limitation on charges contained in these rules shall not include time expended for preparation or attendance at a court proceeding or deposition. Those charges shall be paid by the party calling he evaluator as a witness.

2. The parties shall be required to pay a retainer, as ordered by the court, to be applied toward the cost of evaluation. When the retainer is exhausted, the parties shall pay for remaining individual sessions and the cost of the report as those costs are incurred. In the event payments are not made as ordered by the Court, the evaluator may not suspend the process but shall promptly report failure to pay to the attorneys and the Court.

3. The evaluator's report shall include reference to the fee charged and itemize the charges, whether that fee has been paid in full, and if not, the outstanding amount owed. The court may direct the parties to pay any sum that remains due and owing to the evaluator and may enter judgement accordingly.

Discussion topics will arise organically from meeting to meeting and are expected to include, but not be limited to:

- Coping with stress from parenting and stress from work;

- Challenges when trying to conceive

- Breastfeeding/pumping at work

- Trying to raise teenagers

- Mood disorders, depression, anxiety, alcoholism, drug abuse, divorce, grief, professional challenges, Character & Fitness concerns, etc.

Every group is led by a LAP Clinician. Interested participants are asked to call LAP Headquarters (312-726-6607) or meet with a LAP Clinician prior to joining the group.

WEEKLY SUPPORT GROUPS AT LAP

- LAP Men’s Group every Monday 12:15-1:15P
- LAP Women’s Group every Wednesday 12:15-1:15P
- Young Attorney and Law Students Group every Friday 12:15-1:15P

A complete listing of LAP Support Group meetings by date are available on the LAP Events Calendar 24/7: https://illinoislap.org/calendar/

LAP’s mission is to help, protect, and educate our legal community about addiction, mental health and wellness. If you or someone you know needs support with mental health or wellbeing, do not hesitate to contact LAP. Our services are cost-free, 100% confidential.
gethelp@illinoislap.org, 312-726-6607

Recent legislation updating the Clerks of Courts Act will prompt changes to many of the civil filing and appearance fees. These new fees are identified in the Civil Filing and Appearance Fee Schedules entered by the Supreme Court on February 13, 2019.  Because any filing submitted on June 29, 2019 or later is subject to the new civil fees, eFilelL will update all civil filing/appearance fees to the new amounts after midnight on June 29, 2019.  ln order to reduce the possibility of a filer being charged incorrect fees, the eFilelL portal will be shut down beginning at noon on June 28,2019. The i2File portal will also be unavailable during this time.

As of July 1, 2019, the lllinois Supreme Court has ordered the 18th Judicial Circuit to migrate to eFilelL utilizing the Tyler Technologies system. The new filing system does not support DuPage County's current division of Small Claims filings of SC cases (under $5000.00) and SR cases ($5,000.00 - $10,000.00).   As such, effective July 1, 2019, Small Claims filings will be designated as SC filings, and the SR designation will no longer be in use.  Additionally, effective July 1, 2019 all Small Claims filings, including those filings with jury demands, will be split between Judge Ostling in Courtroom 2006 and Judge Else in Courtroom 2000. The following schedule will be implemented for both Courtrooms effective July 1, 2019:

8:30 AM                        Mon. – Fri.        Summons Returns, Status, Prove-ups

9:00 AM                        Mon. – Fri.        Motions, Post-Judgement Proceedings, Post Arb Status

9:15 AM                        Mon. – Fri.        Diligence Dates

9:30 AM & 1:30 PM      As Set             Bench Trials

9:30 AM                        As Set                Jury Trials

1:30 PM                        Thr                     Settlement Conferences

ST. CHARLES, ILL. (PRWEB) JANUARY 17, 2019

Goostree Law Group is excited to announce that managing partner Tricia D. Goostree has been chosen for Super Lawyers’ list of outstanding lawyers in Illinois for 2019. It is the fourth consecutive year that Goostree has received the honor.

Super Lawyers is a nationally recognized ratings service that annually selects the top attorneys in each state, based on independent research and evaluation by a peer panel. Attorneys who make the Super Lawyers list are among the top five percent of nominated attorneys in their state.

Goostree was previously named to Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list from 2011 to 2015. The honor is given to attorneys who are age 40 or younger or have been practicing law for 10 years or less.

Kane County attorney Tricia D. Goostree is the founder and managing partner of Goostree Law Group, where she concentrates on family law and domestic relations. She assists clients with cases involving complex finances, spousal maintenance, the allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, parenting time, and more.

Goostree regularly earns recognition as one of the best lawyers in the region. In 2018 alone, she was named a Leading Lawyer, became a Lawyer of Distinction, and made the 2019 edition of the Best Lawyers in America.

As a firm, Goostree Law Group was named one of the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys’ 10 Best Law Firms in Illinois in 2018 and received an A+ Accreditation Rating from the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Goostree received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Eastern Illinois University in 1998 and a juris doctor from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago in 2002. She has served in leadership positions with the Kane County Bar Association and volunteered her time to Prairie State Legal Services and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

About Goostree Law Group, P.C.:

Goostree Law Group, P.C., provides family law representation for clients in DuPage and Kane counties and throughout Northern Illinois. Founded more than a 15 years ago, the firm handles divorce and family law issues, such as property division, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, spousal maintenance, legal separation, adoptions, relocation, prenuptial agreements, and post-divorce modifications. Goostree Law Group, P.C. has offices in Naperville, St. Charles and Wheaton, Illinois. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 630-584-4800 or visit https://www.familydivorcelaw.com.