Extensive legal experience with strong analytical skills and ability to identify issues quickly. Aptitude for mediation, negotiation and effective communication.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Circuit Court Judge
State of Illinois
Woodstock, IL
01.2001 - 09.2017
Presided over criminal, family civil, and traffic matters in 19th Judicial Circuit, overseeing cases from pretrial motions through trial.
Elected Circuit Judge in the newly created 22nd Judicial Circuit (McHenry County) in 2006, serving primarily in the criminal division.
Presiding Judge for Specialty Courts which included Mental Health Court and Drug Court (2006-2017).
Presiding Judge of Domestic Violence Court conducting all hearings and trials (both bench and Jury) of domestic cases(2014-2017).
Managed courtroom case load and coordinated Specialty Courts staff to ensure effective case processing.
Oversaw budget management, resolved personnel issues, and appointed, trained, and managed Associate Judges.
Partner
Pollock, Meyers, Eicksteadt and Weech LTD.
Marengo, Illinois
09.1988 - 01.2001
Primarily a litigation attorney representing clients in family law, criminal proceedings or civil disputes.
Represented clients in court hearings and settlement discussions.
Prepared pleadings and motions for filing with state and federal courts.
Developed strategies for effectively resolving cases through negotiation or mediation.
Attended hearings in state and federal court as well as mediations.
Analyzed case law, statutes, regulations, contracts, and other documents to identify issues relevant to the litigation and drafted complaints and motions in support of their claim.
Developed policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency in the firm.
Collaborated with legal teams, paralegals, and administrative staff to coordinate case preparation and manage workload efficiently.
Participated in pro bono legal services, providing legal assistance to underserved populations and contributing to the community.
Criminal Investigator
McHenry County Public Defender
Woodstock, IL
01.1980 - 08.1985
Conducted thorough investigations into criminal cases for defense attorneys.
Collected and analyzed evidence from crime scenes and witness statements.
Interviewed witnesses and suspects to gather crucial information for cases
Assisted Attorneys with trial preparation and Jury selection.
Probation Officer
McHenry County Court Services
Woodstock, IL
12.1978 - 01.1980
Monitored compliance with probation conditions through regular check-ins and reporting.
Prepared detailed reports on client progress for court hearings and reviews.
Developed rehabilitation plans tailored to individual client needs and circumstances.
Conducted intake assessments for juvenile offenders under supervision of the court system.
Education
J.D. -
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
08.1985 - 05.1988
Bachelor of Science - Law Enforcement Administration
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
08.1975 - 06.1979
Marengo Community High School
Marengo, Illinois
Skills
Legal reasoning
Attention to detail
Decision-making process
Analytical reasoning
Conflict resolution
Dispute management
Effective communication
Relationship building
Impartiality
Team collaboration
Critical thinking
Active listening
Time management abilities
Professional demeanor
Decision making
Affiliations
Mentor Judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit (2017 to present); Panel member for McHenry County States Attorney’s Domestic Violence Deferred Prosecution Program for first time offenders(2017-present); Substance Abuse Coalition of McHenry County Board of Directors (2017-2022).
Timeline
Circuit Court Judge
State of Illinois
01.2001 - 09.2017
Partner
Pollock, Meyers, Eicksteadt and Weech LTD.
09.1988 - 01.2001
J.D. -
Northern Illinois University
08.1985 - 05.1988
Criminal Investigator
McHenry County Public Defender
01.1980 - 08.1985
Probation Officer
McHenry County Court Services
12.1978 - 01.1980
Bachelor of Science - Law Enforcement Administration