State Supreme Court appoints Mathews to Lake County circuit court vacancy
The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Associate Lake County Judge Reginald C. Mathews to a circuit judge position left vacant by the retirement of Judge Jay W. Ukena last week.
Mathews, a lifelong resident of Lake County, was named an associate judge in June 2018, after serving 17 years in the Lake County state's attorney office, including as chief of the Gang and Narcotics Division.
He earned a bachelor's in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University and his law degree from Louisiana State University.
Mathews, a father of two daughters, said he was blessed, humbled and honored by the appointment.
"Being named a circuit judge is a responsibility I do not take lightly," Mathews said. "I am guided by the law and my faith; dedicated to providing all who enter our courtrooms with an opportunity to be heard."
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Diane E. Winter praised Mathews in an announcement of the appointment Monday.
"Reggie is an outstanding jurist and a highly respected member of the legal profession and Lake County community," Winter said. "He possesses outstanding qualities of experience, fairness and regard for all."
To maintain his position as circuit judge after the term ends Dec. 5, 2022, Mathews must be nominated in the March 2022 primary and elected in the November 2022 general election.