Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Sonni Choi Williams As Circuit Judge In Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Sonni Choi Williams as a Circuit Judge in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Third Subcircuit.

Ms. Williams is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the election of Judge John C. Anderson to the Third District Appellate Court. Ms. Williams appointment is effective February 10, 2025, and will conclude on December 7, 2026.

"I believe Sonni Williams’ professional and personal experiences make her uniquely qualified for the judiciary. Ms. Williams has over 25 years of experience in municipal law, having served as city attorney for Lockport and Peoria, covering virtually every area of the law, including civil, criminal and appellate litigation,” said Justice O’Brien. “In addition, Ms. Williams has always been personally committed to improving the legal community through her involvement with the Illinois State Bar Association, the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission and numerous legal foundations. She will serve the citizens of Will County with distinction in this new role.”

Ms. Williams has been the City Attorney for the city of Lockport since 2017, serving as chief legal officer and representing the city in all cases before the federal and state courts and administrative agencies. From 2000 to 2017 she served as an attorney for the city of Peoria where she supervised the legal department staff attorneys, paralegals and administrative assistants in providing timely professional responses and legal advice, among other duties. She currently serves as President of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA).

“I am immensely grateful for the appointment and I thank Justice O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court for the honor of serving residents of Will County,” said Ms. Williams. “I look forward to continuing my career as a public servant for the fair and equitable administration of justice."

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