McGlynn appointed to Illinois Court of Claims

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has appointed Belleville attorney Michael McGlynn to serve as a judge on the Illinois Court of Claims.

McGlynn, a Republican like Rauner, replaces Bob Sprague, who is St. Clair County’s Democratic Party chairman. Sprague, whose term expired in January, had been serving as the court’s chief justice. McGlynn and Sprague could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Court of Claims handles lawsuits filed against the state.

The post carries an annual salary of $59,918.

Rauner’s office said McGlynn has more than 30 years of experience representing individuals, non-profits and businesses in St. Clair County and throughout the state.

McGlynn is a managing partner at McGlynn & McGlynn Attorneys at Law, which is where he started his legal career as an associate attorney in 1984. His areas of practice include personal injury, business litigation and contracts, workers’ compensation, banking, and estates. He is also legal counsel for the NAACP.

McGlynn earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from St. Louis University. He is a member of the Illinois and Missouri bars.

The Illinois Court of Claims serves any citizen with a claim of money damages or personal injury against a state agency or state employee.

For example, the court awarded $8 million to the family of Jessica Uhl, 18, and Kelli Uhl, 13, who were killed in a crash with Illinois State Police Trooper Matt Mitchell.

The court also awards compensation to victims of violent crimes under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, and to dependents of police officers, firefighters and National Guard members killed in the line of duty.

The governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate, appoints the seven judges of the Illinois Court of Claims. The judges serve six-year terms.

This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 4:15 PM with the headline "McGlynn appointed to Illinois Court of Claims."