Steve Stobbs
Godfrey attorney Stephen Stobbs has been elected as an associate judge on a first ballot by the nine circuit judges of the Third Judicial Circuit.
"This is a very special time for me and my family," Stobbs said shortly after receiving the call informing him of his appointment to the bench.
Stobbs is a partner with Stobbs & Sinclair. A Republican, Stobbs is serving his third term as a Madison County Board member and chairs its Judiciary Committee.
In April, the Third Circuit -- which includes Madison and Bond counties -- learned it was gaining a new associate judge position due to population gains reflected in the 2000 U.S. Census report. Statewide, a total of 26 new associate judgeships were authorized. The positions have gone unfilled so long due to budgetary constraints, according to a spokesman from the Illinois Supreme Court.
Stobbs said his swearing-in ceremony will be held in approximately two weeks. Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier is expected to attend.
Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis said Stobbs' county governmental experience gives him a "unique" perspective that will benefit the court.
"Steve will bring an ew energy and a balance to our court system," Callis stated in a press release. "We welcome him to the bench and look foward to the beginning of a long judicial career."
Stobbs' law practice focused primarily in the areas of probate and estate, elder law, as well as trusts, will, estate planning, civil litigation, commercial and residential real estate and small business representation.
He is a graduate of St. Louis University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. Stobbs is licensed to practice in Illinois and Missouri.
He and his wife Kate have three children, Madeline, Grace and Caroline, and are expecting their fourth child in August.
The other applicants for the new position were:
Further details will follow