Vernon Hills attorney named Lake County judge

David C. "Chris" Lombardo of Vernon Hills will become the next associate judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit, officials said on Thursday night.

Lombardo's appointment will be effective June 16.

"Chris's knowledge of the law, courtroom preparedness, and professional demeanor are characteristics that will serve him well as a judge," said Chief Judge John T. Phillips in a news release. "We congratulate Chris and look forward to him joining the 19th Circuit in the very near future."

Lombardo received his undergraduate degree from DePauw University and earned his law degree in 1991 from St. Louis University Law School, according to the release.

"I am truly grateful to the judges of the 19th judicial circuit for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve the Lake County community as an associate judge," Lombardo said.

"I eagerly look forward to the challenges of the next stage in my legal career."

Lombardo started his career as a felony trial attorney in the Missouri public defender's office in Clayton, Missouri, before moving into private practice for a year.

He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1997 and joined the Lake County public defender's office.

He has been in private practice in Illinois since 2000.

Lombardo is a member of the Lake County and Illinois State Bar Associations and the Justinian Society.

Recently, he received the distinction of being "highly recommended" by members of the Lake County Bar Association.