Effingham County's Martin W. Siemer has been elected as the new Chief Judge for the Illinois Fourth Judicial Circuit. Siemer, a Circuit Judge At Large, will assume the role on July 1, 2024, succeeding Chief Judge Douglas L. Jarman, who opted not to seek another term. The Fourth Judicial Circuit encompasses nine counties and serves over 235,000 citizens and is one of Illinois' largest circuits both in population and geographic size.
Siemer, who has served as a Circuit Judge since 2014 and was reelected in 2020, brings two decades of private practice experience to the bench. Active in various professional and community organizations, he has been recognized for his exemplary service, receiving the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association Exemplary Service Award in 2022.
The new Chief Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit expressed humility and gratitude for the trust placed on him by his fellow judges, Siemer affirmed his commitment to upholding the high standards set by Chief Judge Jarman. His appointment was made by unanimous vote, reflecting the confidence of the Fourth Circuit's elected circuit judges in his ability to lead the region's criminal and civil justice system with excellence.
