PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chief Judge Evans appoints Judge William O. Maki as Presiding Judge of court’s Third Municipal District

Released On 01/28/2011

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans today announced he has appointed Judge William O. Maki, a judge currently serving in the General Chancery Section of the Chancery Division, as Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court's Third Municipal District. He succeeds Judge Joseph J. Urso, who retired today after 34 years on the bench, the last 12 as Presiding Judge of the Third Municipal District.

"Judge Maki's lengthy judicial service combined with his previous administrative background make him a logical choice to assume the duties of a Presiding Judge," said Chief Judge Evans. "I am relying on his admirable ability to put justice before everything else to help me and our colleagues in advancing the mission of the court."

Chief Judge Evans added, "Judge Urso’s passion for justice will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate to have worked with him and by those who benefitted from his skills as a judge and an administrator."

An 18-year veteran of the bench, Judge Maki was first elected a circuit judge in 1992. He was assigned to the former Juvenile Division where he served until he was assigned to the Criminal Division in January 1995. In January 2000, he was assigned to the Law Division where he served as a jury trial judge. He was transferred to his current assignment in the Chancery Division in March 2003.

Judge Maki was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1973 and was immediately appointed an assistant state's attorney in the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney, where he served from 1973 to 1978 in several assignments, including felony review, felony hold over court, homicide-sex related hold over court, and the felony trial division. He later practiced law with Best & Maki in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, from 1978 to 1989, handling general litigation and real estate matters. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Maki was a sole practitioner in Arlington Heights, Illinois, from 1989 to 1992.

Judge Maki's public service prior to his election as a circuit judge includes his appointment to the Arlington Heights Plan Commission from 1978 to 1981 (appointed chairman in 1980); his election as Village Trustee of Arlington Heights in 1981 for two four-year terms; and his election as Village President of Arlington Heights for one term, from 1989 to 1992.

Judge Maki said, "I would like to thank Chief Judge Timothy Evans for the opportunity to serve the people's judicial interests in the communities of northwest suburban Cook County. I am looking forward to working with the fine judges and staff of the Third Municipal District."

Judge Maki received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1973 and his B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University in 1970.

Judge Maki's appointment is effective January 31, 2011.