By Alison D. Spanner
The Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice (ATJ Commission) mourns the passing of the Honorable Michael J. Sullivan, Judge of the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, on October 10, 2026. A dedicated public servant, respected judicial leader, and tireless advocate for access to justice, Judge Sullivan leaves a lasting legacy of service to the people of Illinois.
“Judge Sullivan served with great distinction for many years in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit and then as chief judge of the newly created Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit. He was a model of patience, dignity and professionalism and mentored many judges, lawyers and court employees,” said Nineteenth Circuit Judge Jorge Ortiz, Chair of the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice.
Throughout his more than 40 years of public service, Judge Sullivan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all Illinois residents, particularly those with limited resources or facing barriers to the legal system, have a meaningful opportunity to access the courts. He understood that the promise of equal justice requires more than open courthouse doors. It requires a justice system that is accessible, understandable, and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.
As a founding member of the ATJ Commission, Judge Sullivan played an instrumental role in shaping its work and advancing its mission. He was a trusted colleague and thoughtful leader whose wisdom, practical perspective, and steadfast dedication helped guide the Commission from its earliest days.
Judge Sullivan chaired the Commission's Court Guidance and Training Committee from its inception, overseeing numerous initiatives designed to make Illinois courts more accessible and welcoming to the public. Under his leadership, the Committee:
- Planned and facilitated multidisciplinary conferences bringing together justice system stakeholders to advance access to justice;
- Proposed an amendment to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 63(a)(4) encouraging judges to take reasonable steps to assist self-represented litigants in the interest of access to justice;
- Developed the Illinois Supreme Court Policy on Assistance to Court Patrons by Circuit Clerks, Court Staff, Law Librarians, and Court Volunteers, along with related training materials, to help court personnel better serve the public; and
- Established the Justice Corner column in Illinois Courts Connect, providing judges, clerks, and court staff with practical guidance on access to justice questions from a panel of experienced Illinois judges.
While Judge Sullivan was Chief Judge, he also served as a vital liaison between the ATJ Commission and the Conference of Chief Circuit Judges. Through this role, he helped elevate access to justice issues within the judiciary, foster collaboration, and encourage judges across Illinois to become more actively involved in initiatives to improve the court system.
“Judge Sullivan worked tirelessly to foster our courts’ core values of fairness, accountability, integrity and respect and was a true champion advocate for access to justice,” said Judge Ortiz. “His legacy shall endure through the many initiatives and programs he advanced and through those whom he inspired to serve for the betterment of the courts and community.”
Judge Sullivan devoted much of his professional life to making "justice for all" more than an aspiration. Through his leadership, collaboration, and commitment to those who face barriers to the courts, he helped build a stronger and more accessible justice system for the people of Illinois.
The ATJ Commission is profoundly grateful for his many years of service, his friendship, and the example he set for others. His contributions will continue to shape the Commission's work and inspire those who carry its mission forward.
We honor Judge Sullivan's life and legacy, and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.