On May 17, 2018, Justice Charles Freeman announced his retirement from
the bench after a long and illustrious career in both public and private
service. Justice Freeman was the first African-American to
serve on the Illinois Supreme Court and retires after serving nearly 28 years
as a justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.
Justice Freeman graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1962 after
obtaining his Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Union University eight years
earlier. He worked in private practice and public service prior to becoming a judge. In 1976, he was elected to the circuit court of Cook County. Ten years later, Justice
Freeman was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court and, in 1990, he was
elected to the Illinois Supreme Court where he has served ever since. Justice Freeman's retirement will be effective June 14.
The ALA congratulates Justice Freeman on a historic career.
With Justice Freeman’s retirement, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed
Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. to fill Justice Freeman’s seat, effective June 15
until December 7, 2020. Justice Neville has served as a justice of the Illinois
Appellate Court since 2004 following four years as a judge in the circuit court
of Cook County.
With Justice Neville being appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, Judge
Carl Anthony Walker of the circuit court of Cook County has been assigned to
the First District Appellate Court until further order of the Illinois Supreme Court.
The ALA congratulates Justice Neville and Judge Walker.
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