Two recent AJ finalists receive Circuit Court appointments

In separate Orders entered yesterday, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Corinne Cantwell Heggie to the countywide vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Vincent M. Gaughan and Debjani D. Desai to the countywide vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Lorna E. Propes.

Both Desai and Heggie were short list finalists in the most recent associate judge selection process. The Supreme Court made both of these appointments on the recommendation of Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis.

Desai's appointment is effective July 14. It will terminate on December 2, 2024.

Since 2020, Desai has served as the General Counsel for the the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.

Licensed in Illinois since 2008, according to ARDC, Desai began her career as a Cook County Assistant State's Attorney. She subsequently became an administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and, thereafter, assistant general counsel in the Litigation and Eligibility Group of the department.

Desai is President of the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago’s Foundation, a SABA Advisory Council member, an Honorary Board Member of the Asian American Bar Association, and a Board Member (Director) of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. She was a 2022 Vanguard Award recipient.

Outside of her role as General Counsel, Desai has served as a Special Prosecutor in child protection cases in juvenile court. She has taught also Counseling and Negotiations at UIC Law. In 2021, Desai was the Cook County Democratic Party's 9th alternate for countywide slating. A press release announcing Desai's appointment can be found here.

Heggie's appointment is effective June and it, too, will terminate on December 2, 2024. She has practiced with her own firm, Glenview's Heggie Wochner Law Firm, since 2018. Heggie has been licensed to practice in Illinois since 2002; she is also licensed in Missouri.

Heggie started her legal career with Hinshaw & Culbertson, rising from associate to partner before leaving to join Scharf Banks Marmor in 2016. She has been Affiliate Counsel with Scharf Banks Marmor since 2019.

A former president of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois (2019-20), Heggie has also held leadership positions in the North Suburban Bar Association. Among her many community activities, Heggie serves on the Board of the Glenview Jr. Titan Football program. She is also a member of the Glenview Park District Foundation. The Supreme Court's press release announcing Heggie's appointment is available here.