Retirement of Associate Judge John H. Young and Posting of Associate Judgeship

Associate Judge John H. Young has announced that he will retire from his position on January 3, 2022. Judge Young was appointed as an associate judge on April 3, 2007. During his tenure, he was assigned in both Winnebago and Boone Counties, but served the majority of his judicial career in Boone County.  He has presided in all types of courtrooms including civil, family and criminal.      

Eugene G. Doherty, Chief Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit, commented, “John Young has had an exemplary career as a judge. He has always demonstrated fairness, diligence and competence.”

Judge Young graduated from Belvidere High School (1978), received his undergraduate degree in political science from Judson College (1982), and received his Juris Doctor from Drake Law School (1985). Prior to taking the bench, he practiced law at the law firm of Reno & Zahm, LLP. He is an active member of the Illinois Judges Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Boone County Bar Association, and the Winnebago County Bar Association.

Judge Young stated, “I have been assisted by so many people: clerks, bailiffs, court reporters, interpreters, state’s attorneys, public defenders, private lawyers, court administration, and of course my judicial colleagues.   It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Winnebago and Boone Counties.”

The Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court to post a notice of vacancy for an associate judgeship. The application period for this vacancy will remain open until November 5, 2021. A copy of the notice of vacancy is attached and is accessible at: http://17thcircuit.illinoiscourts.gov and http://illinoiscourts.gov.

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