Speaking Engagement Request Form | State of Illinois Office of the Illinois Courts

General Information

The Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau was established by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Judges Association to increase awareness of our judicial system and its role in the community.  By enabling community groups to hear directly from judges and other court officials, it is hoped that citizens can better appreciate the judicial system and its function in a democracy.

The Speakers Bureau, which is composed of justices, judges and courtroom personnel statewide, will help arrange for a speaker.  You should know that our speakers are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and are unable to address certain matters, such as pending litigation.

All presentations are voluntary by the judges with no cost to the community.

The Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau looks forward to working with your organization.

How It Works

A representative of the requesting group may fill out the form and fax or mail it to the communications office of the Illinois Supreme Court.  You will then be given the name and number of the speaker who will help you in completing the arrangements.  

The Speakers Bureau also honors requests for its "Judges in the Classroom" program designed to provide school children with the opportunity to hear firsthand from a judge how the judicial system works.  Judges can make the presentation in the classroom, or visits to the courthouse can be arranged.  

 Please view the Instructions below prior to using the Illinois Judicial Speakers Bureau - Speaking Engagement Request Form.

Form Instructions:

This form has been designed to be used either manually or using a computer.

To fill out manually, open the form in Adobe Reader by clicking on the link and printing it out. Once completed, the Invoice Voucher form must be signed by the County Treasurer and the Chief Circuit Judge. The form and any additional supporting documents should then be forwarded to the Administrative Office at the address indicated on the form.

To fill using a computer, Please first save the form to your computer then open the form using Adobe Acrobat or Reader. Set the cursor to the Hand Tool, and use the tab key or mouse to navigate through the form. Each fillable field is highlighted and has specific instructions for completion. The form will automatically total the Invoice Voucher. Once completed print the form. It must be signed by the County Treasurer and the Chief Circuit Judge. The form and any additional supporting documents should then be forwarded to the Administrative Office at the address indicated on the form.

Completed forms may then be mailed or faxed to:

 The form is not to be retyped, scanned, or the wording altered in any way.

Suggested Topics

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Appeals
Bail Review
Domestic Violence
Judges as Problem Solvers
Jury Duty
Juvenile Court
Plea Bargaining
Role of Judge in the Judicial Process
Role of Judge in the Community
Small Claims Court
Traffic Court

 This is by no means an exhaustive list of topics.  Judges can speak on any topic relating to the administration of justice.  Judges, however, are bound by the Code of Judicial Conduct and are unable to speak on certain matters, such as pending litigation.  Please contact the Supreme Court's communications office at (312) 793-2323, if needed, for clarification.