17th Circuit Judge Joseph G. McGraw Appointed to Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council Steering Committee Judge Joseph G. McGraw and Judge Maureen Schuette have been named as the new Co-Chairs of the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council Steering Committee. The Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Councils, at both the state and local/circuit levels, provide a forum to improve the institutional, professional and community response to family violence including intimate partner abuse, child abuse, teen dating violence, and abuse against older adults and people with disabilities. Councils provide professional education and prevention; coordinate interventions and services for victims and perpetrators; and contribute to both the improvement of the legal system and the administration of justice. “Judge McGraw is an excellent choice for this position,” said Chief Judge Eugene Doherty. “He brings experience in both the courtroom and court administration.” Regarding his selection, Judge McGraw commented, “Now, more than ever, the courts play an integral role in coordinating a community response to family violence, intimate partner abuse, child abuse, abuse of the elderly and those with disabilities. I look forward to building on the foundation that has been established and to vigorously engage in the work yet to be done." Joseph G. McGraw is a graduate of the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University - College of Law. He was appointed as a circuit judge by the Illinois Supreme Court in January 2002, and was elected to his position in November 2002. He has served as the presiding judge of the Criminal Division from 2004 to present. Judge McGraw served as the chief judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court from January 2012 to December 2017. Judge Maureen Schuette is an associate judge in the 3rd Judicial Circuit in Madison County. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and the University of Puget Sound Law School in Tacoma, Washington. She was appointed to the bench in 2015. Judge Schuette served as the presiding and supervising judge of the Family Division from October 2017 to May 2021. PDF of Press Release
