Retired judge will fill in for Birkett

Former DuPage County Chief Judge Michael Galasso has a new job as state's attorney, but he'll probably be out of office by lunch.

Galasso was sworn in Monday as interim successor to outgoing State's Attorney Joe Birkett, who left office to become an appellate court justice.

Officials said the temporary appointment allows the office to maintain its authority to prosecute crimes and carry out other functions until the county board selects Birkett's official replacement, probably this morning.

“I will not seek election to this office but will wholeheartedly take up the challenge to be its gatekeeper,” Galasso said.

Board Chairman Dan Cronin has recommended Assistant State's Attorney Bob Berlin, chief of the criminal bureau, to fill the last two years of Birkett's term.

Galasso said he supports Berlin and expects his own time in the office to be brief.

“I hope Mr. Berlin gets the selection,” he said. “He has the confidence of a lot of people, including myself.”

DuPage County Chief Judge Stephen Culliton described Galasso, an attorney for nearly 50 years, as “highly competent” in appointing him interim state's attorney.

Officials said Galasso has tried cases in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Lake counties, among others.

From 1995 to 1999, he was chief judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit in DuPage County. He later served as an appellate court justice in the 2nd District in Elgin for a year before retiring.

Galasso said he resigned from his current position as counsel for the Wheaton law firm of Schiller, DuCanto and Fleck in anticipation of his interim appointment.

By law, the county board must select a replacement for Birkett within 60 days of him leaving office.