Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Michelle A. Vescogni as an At-Large Circuit Judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit. Judge Vescogni was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cynthia M. Raccuglia on February 28, 2025.
The appointment of Judge Vescogni is effective May 5, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026, following the November 2026 general election. An independent judicial screening committee for this vacancy rated Judge Vescogni as extremely well-qualified and highly recommended. “As an associate judge, Judge Vescogni is well respected by both her colleagues on the bench and the attorneys who appear before her,” Justice O’Brien said. “Prior to joining the bench, Judge Vescogni was a solo practitioner representing families throughout LaSalle County for over 16 years. With over a combined 25 years of experience serving as both a judge and practitioner, I have the utmost confidence that Judge Vescogni will continue to serve her community with distinction.”
Judge Vescogni has served on the bench in the 13th Judicial Circuit as an associate judge since 2016. She previously worked as a solo practitioner at Vescogni Law Office, P.C. with a focus on family law. Judge Vescogni earned her Bachelor of Arts from North Central College and earned her Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. “I am humbled and grateful to Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court for this appointment to fill the vacancy of At-Large Circuit Judge. I also extend my sincere appreciation to the members of the screening committee for their hard work during this process,” Judge Vescogni said. “I am excited for this new chapter in my judicial career, and I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of LaSalle County and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.” Her professional affiliations include the LaSalle County Bar Association, where she is a past President and Chair. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Judges Foundation and the Illinois Judges Association.
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