Non-partisan
Ann Callis
Troy
Age: 49
Married
Children: 2
Job: Chief judge, Third Judicial Circuit
Phone: --
Web: www.judgeanncallis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/JudgeAnnCallis
Twitter: --
E-mail: info@judgeanncallis.com
Education: Granite City High School, St. Louis University, St. Louis University School of Law
Previous offices: Associate judge
Qualifications: I began my legal career as a prosecutor in the state's attorney's offices in both Madison and St. Clair counties. In 1995, I was appointed an associate judge. In 2001, I was appointed a circuit judge and, in 2002, became the first woman ever elected a circuit judge in Madison County. I have primarily worked as a criminal court judge, hearing dozens of major criminal cases. In 2006, I was the first woman elected chief judge of the Third Judicial Circuit. In 2012, I was elected to my fourth term as chief judge. As chief judge, I have worked with my fellow judges to initiate a series of court reforms and innovative programs that have become models for other court systems around the State of Illinois. I also have worked for greater transparency in our court system, opening up the courts to cameras, opening up sealed legal files to public scrutiny and creating a more user-friendly website to help residents access court services.
Top issues: Judges run on their experience, their qualifications and their records in office. Beyond my 17 years of experience as a judge, including serving as chief judge since 2006, I am proud to run on the many reforms and innovations my fellow judges and I have introduced in the Third Judicial Circuit, especially our mandatory home mortgage foreclosure program that is helping keep families in their homes and our special Veterans Court that pairs veterans with mentor and counseling services to help them get their lives back on track. Other programs include medical malpractice mediation, a special Mental Health Court, a mentoring program for truants, the Legal Self-Help Center, limiting forum shopping, arbitration of smaller civil cases, and more. Full details are at www.judgeanncallis.com.
