Governor Bruce Rauner appointed Belleville attorney Michael McGlynn to serve as a judge on the Illinois Court of Claims.
McGlynn is currently a managing partner at McGlynn & McGlynn Attorneys at Law in Belleville. He joins six other Court of Claims judges serving six-year terms, who are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Illinois Senate.
All seven judges meet monthly, alternating between the Chicago and Springfield courthouses.
The Court of Claims “serves any citizen with a claim of money damages or personal injury against a state agency or state employee,” according to its website.
Additionally, the court handles cases for victims of violent crimes, awarding compensation under the Crime Victims Compensation Act. It also provides compensation to the dependents of police officers, fire fighters and National Guard members killed in the line of duty.
Further, the Court of Claims compensates money owed to Illinois citizens that may have lapsed due to the close of the fiscal year.
According to its website, roughly 8,500 cases are filed against the State of Illinois with the Court of Claims annually. The Attorney General represents the State of Illinois on all matters before the court.
McGlynn began his legal career as an associate attorney with the McGlynn & McGlynn firm in 1984.
He has more than 30 years of experience representing individuals, non-profits and businesses in St. Clair County and throughout Illinois.
His areas of practice include personal injury, business legislation and contracts, workers’ compensation, banking and estates.
He serves on the boards of Our Lady Queen of Peace School and Illinois Federation of Right to Life. He is also legal counsel for the NAACP.
He is a member of the Illinois and Missouri bar associations, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the St. Clair County Bar Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan of St. Louis and the East St. Louis Bar Association.
McGlynn earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 and his law degree from St. Louis University in 1984.