Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today appointed Charles P. Golbert, a longtime attorney in the Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, to serve as acting public guardian.

Golbert has worked in the office for 26 years, most recently as deputy public guardian. He succeeds Robert F. Harris, who Chief Judge Evans appointed as public guardian in 2004 and will be sworn in Thursday as a circuit judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Harris to a vacancy on the court earlier this month.

“The public guardian and the attorneys in the office play a very important role for some of our most vulnerable residents – adults with disabilities and abused or neglected children,” Chief Judge Evans said. “They speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and they are dedicated advocates in the justice system.”

“While I will seek a permanent leader for the office, I am pleased to name Charles Golbert as the acting public guardian. I also want to thank Robert Harris for his service. I certainly welcome Robert to the judicial ranks, but his leadership and advocacy will be missed.”

Per state law, the Cook County public guardian is appointed by the Chief Judge. The office has three divisions, 206 employees and a $21.9 million annual budget.

In the Adult Guardianship Division, the office serves as the court-appointed guardian of adults with disabilities or their estates. The division manages about $100 million in estate assets and recovers stolen assets for clients.

Attorneys in the Juvenile Division serve as the court-appointed attorneys and guardians ad litem for children in abuse and neglect proceedings. Another division of the office, the Domestic Relations Division, represents children in custody and divorce proceedings.

On Monday, the Office of the Chief Judge will begin accepting applications for the open position of public guardian. Per state law, an applicant must be a duly-licensed attorney.

For application, click here.

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