Supreme Court names D’Anthony (Tony) Thedford to countywide vacancy

The Illinois Supreme Court today appointed D’Anthony (Tony) Thedford to the countywide vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Paul Karkula. The appointment is effective December 2 and terminates on December 7, 2026.

Licensed to practice in Illinois since 1997, according to ARDC, Thedford has been working for the firm of Thedford Garber Law LLC. According to a Supreme Court press release announcing his appointment, Thedford began his legal career as a Cook County Assistant Public Defender. He set up his own practice, the Law Office of Tony Thedford, P.C., in 2005. He has been with Thedford Garber Law LLC since 2016.

Thedford has not previously been a candidate for judicial office in Cook County. He is a former is a board member of the Illinois Prison Project, a former board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and a former President of the Illinois Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, according to the Supreme Court's announcement.

The Karkula vacancy was one of the five vacancies announced by Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis this past September.