The vacancy will result from the retirement of Judge Kevin Ward.
Under the Illinois Constitution, judicial vacancies are filled by Supreme Court appointment. The application process will lead to final Court approval.
Notice of the vacancy has been posted in the courthouses throughout the Circuit. The application form and instructions may be obtained by visiting the Illinois Supreme Court’s website at: www.illinoiscourts.gov and following the instructions in the Latest News scroller announcing the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit vacancy.
The deadline for submission of an application is June 18, 2025.
The applicants will undergo an evaluation and screening process. The person selected to fill the vacancy will serve until the first Monday in December following the November 2026 general election.
To be eligible for consideration for appointment, the applicant must be a lawyer licensed to practice law in Illinois. Any candidate seeking appointment to this vacancy shall, at the time of appointment, reside within Jo Daviess County.
The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit includes Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, and Stephenson Counties.