Will County Judge Matthew Bertani Accepts New Judicial Role

The following edited press release was submitted to Joliet Patch:

JOLIET — Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the assignment of 12th Judicial Circuit Judge Matthew G. Bertani to the Third District Appellate Court.

Judge Bertani is being assigned to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Adrienne Albrecht. Judge Bertani’s assignment is effective January 1, 2025, and will conclude on November 30, 2026.

“Judge Bertani is a proven judge whose familiarity with the complex matters that come before the Will County Circuit Court is unparalleled. His legal acumen, integrity and demeanor are well respected amongst both his peers and the local bar,” Justice O’Brien noted in the press release. “I have the utmost confidence that Judge Bertani will undoubtedly be an asset to Third District Appellate Court and those it serves.”

Bertani was first appointed to the bench in 2010, handling a wide range of cases serving in the divisions of Family Law, Traffic, Civil Jury and Probate. He was appointed as a Circuit Judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit, Subcircuit 4, Will County, in January 2024. Judge Bertani has been involved in such programs as the Lawyers Assistance Panel, Mentor to New Judges, and Judicial Performance Evaluator.

“I am grateful to Justice Mary K. O’Brien and each of the Supreme Court Justices for this appointment. I look forward to serving the People of the Third District with same resolve and care as my predecessor, and each of the remaining Justices,” Bertani remarked. “I do regret that I will not have the opportunity to serve with Justice Mary McDade who is retiring at year’s end. I have read most of her decisions and dissents. The Court will be diminished by her absence.”

Prior to joining the bench, Bertani was a principal in the Firm of Riazio & Bertani in Morris, followed by Sabuco, Beck, Hansen, Schrock & Bertani. He also served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Grundy County.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Drake University and earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Arizona College of Law.

The Third Appellate District is composed of seven counties: Bureau, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Kankakee, LaSalle and Will.