Mary Trew—who, earlier this year, lost the Democratic primary race for Cook County judge, 9th Subcircuit—was appointed a judge for that same area Oct. 14.
Trew, an out lesbian, told Windy City Times that Judge James Epstein, who is running unopposed for an appellate court seat, retired early to spend time with his children. Last month, Trew called the Illinois Supreme Court, and interviewed for a judicial position through state justice Anne Burke’s committee. The committee recommended Trew to Burke.
“I’ve been trying to do this [become a judge] for 13 years and, all of a sudden, it just popped,” Trew said with a laugh.
The appointment means that Trew will have to leave her post as executive director of the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic. In an earlier interview with Windy City Times, she said that the clinic works to “represent victims of domestic violence who can’t afford lawyers; we don’t represent them in the criminal courts but in the domestic-relations courts.”
Trew’s swearing-in ceremony will take place Monday, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. at 160 N. LaSalle, 18th floor, in the ceremonial courtroom. A reception will follow at Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn.
The 9th Judicial Subcircuit includes Evanston, Niles, Skokie, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Golf, Wilmette and the north areas of Chicago, such as Rogers Park.