Attorney Mary N. Copeland makes history as the first woman to be appointed as Madison County Chief Public Defender, filling the vacancy after John Rekowski retires at the end of the month.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled to have been appointed Chief Public Defender of Madison County,” Copeland stated in a press release. “I will work diligently to continue the legacy of Mr. John Rekowski, while also incorporating changes that align with my own vision for the office. I am dedicated to serving the citizens of Madison County efficiently and honorably.”
Chief Judge Bill Mudge announced that Copeland, 46, was appointed to the position by a vote of the circuit court judges of the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes both Madison and Bond counties.
“The Third Judicial Circuit is pleased to have a person of Mary Copeland’s experience, ability and passion as Chief Public Defender,” Mudge stated.
Copeland earned her law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law, graduating in 2003. She has served as an assistant public defender in Madison County since her graduation. She currently resides in Godfrey with her husband and two children.
The public defender’s office provides legal aid to defendants who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, according to the press release. The office employs 14 assistant public defenders as well as investigative, paralegal, advocacy and secretarial employees.
Rekowski announced last month that his last day in office would either be on Nov. 30 or the day his successor is sworn in, “whichever comes last.”
He began working as an attorney with the public defender’s office in 1979 after graduating law school. He became the Chief Public Defender in 1984.
During the Nov. 6 Judiciary Committee meeting, Rekowski thanked the committee members.
“When I have dealt with this committee, I have never, and I mean never, been treated with anything but respect.”
“You have looked out for my office, you’ve looked out for my people, and you’ve looked out for me. I am nothing but grateful and have nothing but respect,” he said.
Calling himself a “yellow dog Democrat,” Rekowski said the committee includes “a lot of good Republicans. He added that “the one thing I think that we all share and that has impressed me in dealing with this committee is that all of us want to see this government work, we want to see it work well, we want to see it work efficiently, we want to see it work honestly, and we want to give a good product to the people who employ us - the taxpayers. For that, I thank you.”
During the meeting, Mudge congratulated Rekowski.
“John is ending a very illustrious, wonderful career as our public defender,” he said.
Mudge previously applauded Rekowski’s service to the county.
“The statute that gives circuit judges the authority to hire a public defender talks about the public defender serves at the pleasure of judges, and it has been a pleasure to have John Rekowski as our public defender,” he said.
“He serves with distinction,” he added. “He represents his clients vigorously and confidently. He represents those that cannot afford counsel. He represents people often under very difficult circumstances. Frequently, he has to meet with his clients while they’re in custody, more so than private lawyers.”
During the Nov. 6 meeting, committee members also congratulated Rekowski on his upcoming retirement.
“He has done a great job for a long time, and enjoy your retirement,” Liz Dalton said.
“John, I do want to sincerely congratulate you,” Walters said. “Good luck in retirement.”
“I hope you enjoy it, but you seem to be a guy that likes to work,” he joked. “So that may not be easy for you, but congratulations.”