17th Circuit Selects Erin B. Buhl as New Associate Judge Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts, and Eugene G. Doherty, Chief Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court, are pleased to announce that the 17th Circuit Judges have selected Attorney Erin B. Buhl as an Associate Judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit. This associate judge vacancy is based on the impending retirement of Associate Judge John H. Young, effective January 3, 2022. Ms. Buhl will take her oath of office on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. “Ms. Buhl brings unique experience to the Circuit Court,” said Chief Judge Eugene Doherty. “In addition to her time as an attorney, she has invaluable experience as an administrative law judge that will translate well to the job of an associate judge. We are confident that Ms. Buhl’s abilities, as well as her excellent temperament and demeanor, will make her an outstanding member of the bench.” Commenting on her selection, Ms. Buhl stated, “I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve as an associate judge and I look forward to serving our community in this roll. I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their continued support.” Ms. Buhl received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Rockford College in 2003, and her Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law in 2007. She has been employed with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services since 2013, and has served as a DCFS Administrative Law Judge since 2018. Her prior work experience includes family law practice at the law firm of Laura A. Epstein & Associates, LLC, and service as an assistant public defender with the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office. Erin Buhl is a current member of the Winnebago County Bar Association, the Illinois Association of Administrative Law Judges, and the National Association of Administrative Law Judges. Her involvement with community and civic organizations includes serving on the Winnebago County Kids’ Place Board of Directors, volunteering at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center, and assisting with Winnebago County CASA trainings. PDF of Press Release
