Earlier this week, the Illinois Supreme Court announced that Justice Lloyd Karmeier ’64 will be its next Chief Justice. The very next day, Randy Rosenbaum ’91 was named the newest circuit judge in Champaign County. 

Justice Karmeier will succeed current Chief Justice Rita Garman, with his three-year term beginning on October 26, 2016. He is a life-long resident of Washington County, and attended the University of Illinois for both his undergraduate and law degrees. He practiced law at Hohlt, DeMoss & Johnson from 1964 to 1986. Justice Karmeier’s life in public service began when he clerked for former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Byron O. House from 1964 to 1968. He then served as state’s attorney of Washington County, clerked for former U.S. District Court Judge James L. Foreman, and served as resident Circuit Judge of Washington County until he was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Rosenbaum succeeds Judge Harry Clem, and his term will begin on October 3, 2016. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, and his law degree from the University of Illinois. A well-respected public defender, Rosenbaum began his career with the Legal Aid Society in New York City before returning to Champaign County in 1994. He was appointed chief Public Defender in 1998, and has held that role ever since. 

Justice Karmeier and Rosenbaum have both been recognized for their contributions to the community and the College of Law. Justice Karmeier received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006, and Rosenbaum received the Alumni Loyalty Award in 2015. Rosenbaum has also been an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at the College of Law for the past five years.

We congratulate both Justice Karmeier and soon-to-be Judge Rosenbaum on these well-deserved appointments.