How you can help choose next Lake County judge

Officials say 33 attorneys have filed applications to fill an associate judge vacancy in the 19th Judicial Circuit of Lake County.

The vacancy is a result of an additional associate judgeship granted by the Illinois Supreme Court. Applicants will be interviewed by circuit judges in the coming weeks, and evaluated by members of the Lake County Bar Association.

After the judicial review process is complete, a nominating committee will select the names of two finalists, and circuit judges will take a final vote to choose the associate judge.

The public has an opportunity to comment in writing regarding the applicants. Letters should be addressed to the Office of the Chief Judge, Lake County Courthouse, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085-4359. Letters will be accepted until May 8. The name of the applicants are available at 19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us.