Northern Illinois

Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride announced on Tuesday that the Illinois Supreme Court has approved the application from the 14th Judicial Circuit in northwestern Illinois to allow news media cameras in trial courtrooms in the state for the first time.

Chief Judge Jeffrey W. O’Connor of the 14th Circuit applied to the Supreme Court for approval last week, one day after Chief Justice Kilbride announced that an experimental program was unanimously approved by the seven justices on the Court.

The 14th Circuit is comprised of Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties.

"Today's Order is a historic one," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "For the first time in state history, citizens not physically present will be able to see and hear proceedings in our trial courts. My colleagues and I an-nounced this change in policy hoping to promote greater openness and accountability. But we must carefully balance the goal of openness with the rights of defendants and parties to have fair trials.

"This pilot project will allow us to test the policy we have put in place and see if it is workable in Illinois, or if any changes need to be made before moving toward a full statewide policy. My colleagues and I are thankful for the 14th Circuit and Chief Judge O'Connor's willingness to serve in this pilot project. We look forward to their results."

In his formal request to the Court for approval, Chief Judge O’Connor noted that the news media in the area are already familiar with broadcasting trial proceedings because Iowa, just across the Mississippi River, has allowed cameras in courtrooms since 1979, and media have aired court coverage in the Quad Cities area, which includes Illinois communities.

The Judicial Council of the Seventh Circuit is seeking applicants for a bankruptcy judge position for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Western Division headquartered in Rockford. An applicant must also be willing to travel to other courts in the circuit to handle cases as need arises. Interested applicants may obtain an application from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit website at www.ca7.uscourts.gov.

Persons interested in applying for this position should send their applications to:

Patricia J. Naylor

Nabil G. Foster

The national law firm of Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is proud to announce the election of the following ISBA members to partnership:

Nabil G. Foster, of Chicago, defends attorneys in professional liability and disciplinary matters. He also represents clients in commercial litigation and has handled matters involving subjects such as internet gambling, breach of contract, civil rights, consumer fraud, ERISA, eminent domain, employment discrimination, insurance coverage, products liability and professional liability. Mr. Foster is an Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Mr. Foster earned his J.D. in 2000 from Northwestern University School of Law, and his A.B. from Harvard College in 1994.