Local Attorneys Named Finalists For Associate Judge Vacancies

LIBERTYVILLE, IL - From the 19th Judicial Circuit Court: The Circuit Judges of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit have met and named the finalists for the Associate Judge vacancies created by the retirements of Associate Judge Brian P. Hughes and Associate Judge Nancy Schuster Waites. Chief Judge Ukena has certified the names of: Jacquelyn D. Melius of Libertyville, Ari P. Fisz of Deerfield, Christopher M. Kennedy of Libertyville, and Stephen M. DeRue of Antioch, to the Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts in Springfield.

Jacquelyn D. Melius is a partner at Dudley & Lake. Ari P. Fisz is an Assistant Lake County State’s Attorney. Christopher M. Kennedy is a sole practitioner. Stephen M. DeRue is also an Assistant Lake County State’s Attorney. 34 candidates were evaluated, and the 4 finalists were found to be recommended by members of the Lake County Bar Association’s Judicial Selection and Retention Committee. In a recent poll of the entire Lake County Bar Association, the four candidates were rated by members who responded to the survey.

The Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts will prepare the ballots containing the finalists’ names and mail them to all Lake County Circuit Judges. Each Circuit Judge will then cast a secret ballot. After the votes have been tabulated in Springfield, Chief Judge Ukena will be notified of the results.

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