Chief Judge Charles Beach appoints retired Appellate Court Justice Leroy K. Martin, Jr. as Trial Court Administrator

Here's the press release, with modest edits, from Chief Judge Beach's office:

Chief Judge Charles Beach has named retired Justice LeRoy K. Martin the new Trial Court Administrator for the Cook County Circuit Court.

That means Justice Martin will work closely with Judge Beach, the Executive Team, Presiding Judges, court administrators, and our justice partners to strengthen court operations, support strategic planning initiatives, improve administrative processes, and identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Circuit Court.

Justice Martin has devoted his career to public service and the administration of justice. A graduate of DePaul University and the North Carolina Central University School of Law, he began his legal career with Milton N. Blumenthal & Associates before serving as an Assistant Public Defender for Cook County.

He later entered private practice as a partner in Martin & Duckworth, representing individuals charged with felony offenses, and subsequently established a solo practice representing clients in both civil and criminal matters.

Justice Martin was appointed to the Cook County Circuit Court in 2002, elected to a 1st Subcircuit vacancy in 2004, and retained every six years thereafter. He served in Traffic Court, the branch Courts, Domestic Relations and Chancery. In 2016, he was named Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division. He was subsequently selected to serve on the Illinois Appellate Court, where he remained until his retirement this summer.

“Justice Martin’s extensive experience at both the trial and appellate court levels provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the judicial system and the operational needs of a large urban court,” Judge Beach said. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated sound judgment, integrity, professionalism, and a collaborative approach to leadership. His experience working with judges, justice partners, attorneys, and court personnel will serve the Circuit Court well as we continue to improve our operations and enhance public service.”

The Supreme Court first assigned Justice Martin to the Appellate Court in 2021. Last year, the Supreme Court reassigned Martin to the Hoffman vacancy on the Appellate Court. The Hoffman vacancy is to be filled at this election, but Justice Martin was passed over by the Cook County Democratic Party at slating time; Judge Judith Rice is unopposed for election to this vacancy in November. (The Supreme Court's appointment of Martin came only days before the slating meeting; in any event, he did not seek election to the vacancy in the March primary.)