The Circuit Judges of the Circuit Court of Cook County shall appoint associate judges pursuant to Article VI, Sections 8 and 10, Constitution of Illinois, 1970 and Rule 39, Rules of the Supreme Court, as amended. Such associate judges shall reside in Cook County, and shall be appointed on a non-partisan merit basis. Only a person licensed to practice law in Illinois and in good standing shall be eligible for the office of associate judge. All appointees shall be persons of good moral character and reputation, and shall have been actively engaged in the practice of law for at least six years immediately preceding their appointment.

[Adopted May 17, 1976, effective July 1, 1976.]