Division Updates
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s I begin to write this column, it is notable that it is the two-year anniversary of the day that Covid caused the courthouse to shut down. By now, we are all too familiar with the way in which our personal and professional lives have been forever altered. We have experienced many difficult days, but I truly believe that brighter days are ahead. The Circuit has begun to devise our strategy for resuming “normal” operations. To that end, I have asked the presiding judges of each division to submit a plan establishing guidelines for in-person proceedings. Because each division has different operational needs, there will not be one single set of rules. Our focus will
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be on establishing a balance for proceedings which should be held in-person and those that can reasonably be conducted remotely. I expect to have something concrete to share in the not-too-distant-future. In recognition of the fact that there have been, and will be, changes in operations, I have asked the presiding judge of each division to author a short “report” on their division’s courtroom activity. This month the focus is on the Family Division. The following was authored by Presiding Judge Michael G. Nerheim. Despite several recent changes, things are going well in the family division. In February we lost two of our most seasoned jurists
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Chief Judge’s Page in Judges Christensen and Lombardo. While their departure is certainly a big loss, we welcome Judges Slavin and Seneczko, who have both hit the ground running. Judge Fisz has taken over the C102 call from Judge Christensen and Judge Slavin has taken over for Judge Lombardo in C105. Judge Bruno is keeping incredibly busy as our backup and Judge Seneczko has taken the prove-up and child support call. Judge O’Malley remains in one of the most difficult assignments in the building, the family SRL call. Our Judicial Assistant, Kasia has been a great support to the division as she continues to gain comfort in her new role. All of the judges in the division remain active with the LCBA and various community organizations. Currently, we are working internally, with input from
BY CHIEF JUDGE MARK L. LEVITT the bar, to come up with a “re-opening” plan that balances the need to be back in person with the convenience and access to justice that remote court has provided. As presiding judge, I regularly meet with the judges in our division, our Judicial Assistant, and representatives from the LCBA’s family law committee. We are fortunate to have such an active and engaged bar. Judge Bruno was recently selected by the Illinois Judges Association to moderate a panel discussion on Justice Breyer on March 29. Finally, kudos to all the judges in the division who volunteered to read to local schoolchildren as part of the IJA’s Paging It Forward initiative. I look forward to sharing something each month from the divisions and partners in the 19th. I hope that you will find it useful and informative.
